Liverpool’s new head coach Andoni Iraola has said that the club needs to sign more players as he addressed the challenge facing him in his new job.
In his first press conference since being named as the replacement for Arne Slot at Anfield, the former Bournemouth boss made it clear that Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz will not be the only new arrivals ahead of the new season.
“Obviously, we have signed two players already but we need more players. We know this. The club is working on this,” said Iraola.
“Me, as a coach, selfishly, we want the players here from day one to train from pre-season. But we know football doesn’t work like this. The club is working hard to get those signings.”
Iraola himself arrives with a big reputation after taking the Cherries to sixth spot in the Premier League last season – just one place below Liverpool. But he will need to adapt to the demands given that Bournemouth only played 40 matches in all competitions.
“It is a big challenge for me. It is a big change. Here, most weeks we will not have a clean week, we will have a midweek game, but it is a great opportunity.
“There is a chance to use more players. It is impossible to deal with this kind of season with 15 players. You need the squad.
“We have to get ready because this kind of hard season, injuries and situations will happen. We have to get ready in squad depth to deal with the demands of the competition. December and January. Those months are hard.”
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‘Difficult situation right now’
Iraola will need to begin the campaign without Hugo Ekitike, the only Liverpool player to reach double figures for goals in the Premier League last season. Mohamed Salah, the club’s all-time record goalscorer in the competition, has also departed.
“We have to accept the difficult situation right now. A lot of senior players leaving, very important players. Also, some of the very important players are injured.
“Ekitike, [Conor] Bradley and [Geovanni] Leoni. They are long-term injuries. In terms of improving the team, we have to consider replacing important players who were making important numbers and the players who will be missing time.
“The three players, I love them. They are long-term solutions but we have to try and find solutions.”
One thing that Iraola was firm on throughout his first press conference as Liverpool coach was that he will do this his way, playing the aggressive brand of football for which he has been hired.
“I will try to be the same coach. I understand I will make mistakes and say things I shouldn’t.
“You have to be yourself and I will try to be. I cannot say everything here to you; some have to be private. But with the players, who have big personalities and egos, I will try not to change.”
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‘Things we can do differently’
He explained: “I talked to players, I talked to the staff about the things that are working well, the things we can do differently. I wouldn’t say better, I would say differently.
“They have to be aware of our core principles. After, we will have a lot of questions about facing low blocks. I prefer to face low blocks in terms of the way we will be in control of the games, probably, we will concede less chances, spend a lot of time in the opposition half.
“Some teams give you that situation straight away, that is fine. Other teams do not give you that situation straightaway because they will try to control the game, play in your half.
“I am looking forward to spending as much time inside the opposition half – with the ball and without the ball – because I feel we are closer to scoring from that position.”
The hope is that after many supporters became frustrated by Slot’s brand of football, the Anfield crowd will embrace Iraola’s approach.
“I would like to give them a team they can feel proud of. Football, especially in Liverpool, is about connecting with the people.
“I have been on the other side at Anfield, you can feel the stadium. I would love to have this every game we play. It has to come from us on the pitch.
“We have to be a team that works hard, intense and aggressive. So, everyone can be identified and feel comfortable supporting this team.”
