Andoni Iraola vows to reconnect Liverpool with supporters as new era begins at Anfield

• Andoni Iraola says his priority is to build a Liverpool team supporters can be proud of and reconnect with the Anfield crowd.
• The new head coach acknowledged the scale of the job after replacing Arne Slot following last season’s disappointing title defence.
• Liverpool’s pre-season preparations are underway ahead of a three-match tour of the United States.

Andoni Iraola has pledged to rebuild the connection between Liverpool and their supporters, saying his primary objective is to deliver a team Anfield can be proud of following his appointment as the club’s new head coach.

Iraola arrived from Bournemouth on a two-year contract after Liverpool dismissed Arne Slot at the end of a campaign in which their Premier League title defence failed to meet expectations.

The Spaniard believes restoring the bond between the team and its supporters will be central to Liverpool’s success.

“I would like to give them a team that they can feel proud of,” Iraola said.

“I think football, and especially Liverpool, is about connecting. Connecting with the people, connecting with our supporters. I’ve been on the other side at Anfield. I’ve experienced the goal that Federico Chiesa scored on the first day of the season against Bournemouth.”

Iraola admitted he is only beginning to understand the demands that come with managing one of the world’s biggest clubs but said he is ready to embrace the challenge.

“I want to think, understand, and until I go through certain experiences I will not fully know, but I’m here to experience those situations. I’m ready for it,” he said.

“I understand this is a massive club. Everything that I’m going to say now is going to have the biggest scrutiny. You have to be very aware of the mistakes, but I wouldn’t like to be too careful. I would like to act quite normally.

“I’m not going to live in my bubble, just training ground then home.”

The Liverpool head coach also stressed the importance of embracing life in the city rather than isolating himself from supporters.

“I would also like to go to the city and experience the city. I know some places and I would have to take some pictures. But it’s also part of the magic of being the Liverpool manager and I would like not to change too much.”

Liverpool’s preparations for the new season are already underway, with several first-team players reporting back ahead of the official start of pre-season training this week.

Iraola has also spent time observing sessions involving the club’s Under-21 side alongside academy staff Rob Page and Alex Inglethorpe.

Liverpool will travel to the United States next week for a three-match pre-season tour.

The squad will be based in Chicago before playing friendlies against Sunderland, Leeds United and Wrexham across Chicago, New York City and Nashville as preparations continue for the 2026-27 campaign.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

More articles by Hailey →