Andoni Iraola has reiterated the importance of building a connection between the Liverpool players and the fanbase as he prepares for his first experience at Anfield as new head coach.
Iraola will take charge of his debut home game when the Reds entertain Ligue Un side Monaco in their latest pre-season friendly on Sunday afternoon.
Anfield became a toxic venue for Liverpool during the latter stages of last season, where the regular jeering of the team and Arne Slot ultimately cost the Dutchman his job as Reds boss.
Rebuilding the bond
Having made rebuilding the bond between the pitch and the stands one of the cornerstones of his opening press conference last month, Iraola has once again highlighted the need for a team supporters can identify with.
“Sunday is, of course, going to be a very proud day for my staff, and for me, as we take charge of our first home game,” said the Basque, writing in the Liverpool matchday programme.
“I have experienced Anfield before from the other side, and that was pretty special (even if the results didn’t go the way I would have liked!) but I know that it will be a completely different feeling as the head coach of Liverpool, and that is something I am really excited for.
Emotion and connection
“I spoke when I first arrived at the club about emotion, about the connection between the players, the staff and the supporters. That is extremely important and will be even more so going forward.
“We want to give you guys a team you can really identify with and be proud of, and we will be doing everything we can, every day, to make that happen.
“Sunday, therefore, is an important step on that journey. It is a journey I want us to all enjoy together, and which I hope and believe will lead to success and to many happy and memorable moments in the future.”
Squad update
Iraola added: “We now have virtually our entire squad together, which of course will be very important in the coming days and weeks.
“Victor Munoz, our new signing, joined us at AXA this week having been part of the Spain squad which won the FIFA World Cup last month, as did Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Alisson Becker.
“Alexis Mac Allister, the last of our World Cup players, will link up with us on Monday, also.”
