Andoni Iraola has promised Liverpool supporters they will recognise his team’s identity as the new head coach insisted he will remain true to the principles that brought him to Anfield.
Speaking in his first press conference since taking charge, Iraola admitted there will inevitably be tactical adjustments at one of Europe’s biggest clubs but stressed Liverpool appointed him because of the football he has produced throughout his coaching career.
“I think you have the advantage that you saw me for three years in the Premier League,” Iraola said.
“I understand this is Liverpool, we have to change some things, even tactically, but if they sign me it’s because they want a lot of the things I was doing at other clubs.
“So I don’t want to change the DNA of my teams on the pitch. I try to be as natural as possible.”
‘I want to play in the opposition’s half’
Iraola also offered Liverpool supporters perhaps the clearest indication yet of how he wants his side to play.
The Spaniard admitted different opponents will require different approaches but made it clear his preference is for Liverpool to dominate territory and spend as much time as possible attacking.
“I think we have to have our core principles,” he explained.
“Maybe you face low blocks, but I prefer that because we’re in control and conceding fewer chances.
“These are the scenarios we want.
“Other teams don’t give you that because they want to control the game and play in your half.
“I want to be in the opposition’s half, creating chances.”
The comments are likely to excite supporters eager to see how Liverpool evolve under their new manager following a summer of significant change.
Squad depth will be vital
Iraola also acknowledged the demands of managing Liverpool across multiple competitions, admitting the schedule means every member of the squad will have an important role to play.
“It’s a big challenge for me and a big change,” he said.
“Most weeks we have a midweek game. It’s a great opportunity for the players. I loved these seasons as a player because you were playing all the time.
“It’s impossible to deal with it using just a few players. We need the whole squad.
“Injuries will happen. We have to be ready in terms of squad depth. December and January are very hard months.”
Looking beyond the contract
Asked about signing only a two-year contract, Iraola dismissed suggestions the length of his deal carried any significance.
“I don’t want to be in a place because of a contract,” he said.
“If you are happy, I am happy.
“I want to stay here a lot more years because it would mean I’ve done a good job.”
It was a confident yet measured first appearance from Liverpool’s new head coach.
More importantly for supporters, it provided the clearest indication yet that while Iraola understands the scale of the job awaiting him, he has no intention of abandoning the football philosophy that convinced Liverpool he was the right man to lead the club into its next chapter.