Andoni Iraola learned from legend as Liverpool braced for 'rock and roll'
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Andoni Iraola is the favorite to land at Liverpool with the Reds braced for 'rock and roll' soccer, which helped the Spaniard's teams to find success in recent yearsAndoni Iraola seemingly will be taking tenets he learned from a coaching legend to Liverpool(Image: Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)Andoni Iraola learned from legendary head coach Marcelo Bielsa, and the former is close to taking what the latter imparted to Liverpool.After the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, Liverpool parted ways with Arne Slot after a disappointing campaign. I use a lot of things, especially with the ball," he continued when speaking on his former coach's approach."Offensively, his teams are very dynamic.
He is willing to make all the runs to the space, he is ready to accept this kind of disorder, offensively."Andoni Iraola (R) is slated to become Liverpool's new coach, learning from Marcelo Bielsa (L)(Image: ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)The "disorder" Iraola states has been part of his coaching style since, which has helped find success with Rayo and Bournemouth in recent years. Two years later, the 43-year-old led the club to an 18-match unbeaten streak and secured qualification for the Europa League, the first in the club's history.As for the way he wants his clubs to play, he opts to overwhelm the defense with speed and power, signing players who are aggressive and constantly attack, eventually breaking down their opponents.In some ways, Iraola has similarities to Pep Guardiola, with pundits noting that both men employ the Gegenpressing philosophy, leading some to call his coaching style musical.In particular, Ander Murillo, a friend and former teammate of Iraola, told Sky Sports that it was akin to "rock and roll" in how the coach's clubs operated.
Speaking on that comment, the Spaniard explained that having such a helter-skelter style of play was one he hoped to continue with the men around him."It is true that we like, and we perform better, in high-tempo games," Iraola continued to the outlet. We don't need so much control, not in every single play, but I think we have the legs, we have the willingness, to go up and down."Regarding what Liverpool fans can expect from Iraola, former Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo gave an insight into how the manager runs his clubs.