Andoni Iraola makes promise to Liverpool fans in bid to fix Arne Slot rift

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Frustration had grown with the head coach, Arne Slot, as he moved closer to a ball-dominant style of play but without the results to show for it.Considering the fans had identified well with a different style, one more geared toward high-intensity, energy, and pressing, it was a departure that left many not feeling connected to the team they saw on the pitch.That rift led to some supporters booing the team, and ultimately played at least some part in Slot eventually losing his job in the summer.It's a connection that Iraola is looking to harness again in a positive direction, as he looks ahead to the first Premier League match of the season away at Newcastle next month."I think the first thing is try to play well," the manager told the Liverpool Echo in an interview during the club's pre-season tour of America. "I think football is what helps you more, but it’s not just only about playing well.Iraola is the new Liverpool boss(Image: Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)"This helps a lot but I think the supporters have to feel identified with what they see on the pitch.

OK, they cannot do it, but they can run, they can fight for the balls, they can press, they can fight until the last line for every situation and when they see this from the players of their team it’s easier to get behind that team."I will encourage my team to give them these things."It's a clear statement of intent from the manager, who insists that he isn't the protagonist of Liverpool's season, with focus set on delivering performances."The most important thing that we can deliver is our performances," Iraola continued. "It doesn't matter if I speak well, if I don't speak well, if I say the right things or if I don’t say the right things."At the end people just want to see the team play well and deliver good results.

I know this is 90 percent of my job."For me, now, it is about creating a very good team to beat, a very difficult team to beat. The team that I envision now, that I see and think of, if we become that team, I think we are going to be successful."With each interview, Liverpool fans are understanding the character of their new head coach, who clearly wants to let his coaching do the talking.