Liverpool latest: Andoni Iraola's first rule change emerges as players react to announcement
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The Spaniard has been confirmed as Liverpool's new permanent head coach in the wake of Arne Slot's recent sacking.The Basque's three outstanding seasons at Bournemouth have positioned him well to take the reins at Anfield. However, Iraola's thoughts on what he intends to modify — and what he plans to leave untouched — regarding the Reds' pre-season arrangements have now come to light.Elsewhere in today's latest, Liverpool's senior players have shared their views on the 43-year-old's appointment and their feelings towards the club's decision to part ways with Slot.Iraola's rule changeIraola has revealed he will make adjustments to certain plans Slot had in place for the Reds this summer.
"I want to talk to the staff, to the people that were here every day, that know very well the players, to arrive as ready as possible to that first day of pre-season."I think especially with a lot of those young players that will do the pre-season with us, a lot of things about the organisation, about the staff, about how we can create the best atmosphere, the best environment so when they arrive [on] day one, everyone feels everything is in place and we can do this process of adaptation, that it will take some time as soon as possible."It's true that it's going to be new staff, new people coming in, but I would like also to value a lot the ones that have been here working for the club with these players, that are really the ones that will help us more at the beginning."Senior players make feelings clearA source close to the Liverpool dressing room has told The Athletic that there is a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding Iraola's appointment. The report reveals that the misery of last season "dragged down the mood in the Liverpool dressing room towards the end of Slot's reign".Nevertheless, it indicates that the players will now "embrace the prospect of a fresh start" and "an injection of positivity and new ideas," confirming that certain players regard the managerial change as a "clean slate".The reports have validated Robbie Fowler's forecast that the players would warmly receive the news of Slot's departure.
The Liverpool legend told the ECHO prior to Iraola securing the Anfield role, that this is a moment for optimism.Speaking via BetMGM, the former Liverpool striker said: "I think there will be a little bit of excitement [at a new manager coming in]."Don't get me wrong, it's not excitement about getting rid of the manager, it is excitement about the new plans, the new ideas, the training methods, the new everything."I think from a player's point of view, that's one of the first things you think of. 'Well, how are we going to play? All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page