Liverpool news: Andoni Iraola confirms first squad rule change as players make feelings clear
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However, Iraola's comments on what he will and won't alter about the Reds' pre-season plans have emerged.Elsewhere in today's latest, Liverpool's senior players have given their verdict on the 43-year-old's appointment and how they view the club's decision to part with Slot.Iraola's rule changeIraola has said he will tinker with some of the plans Slot had for the Reds this summer. He insinuated that those Liverpool players at the World Cup will have their integration into training watched over carefully once they return to the club.However, the former Cherries coach clarified that he won't tamper with too many of the plans that were implemented ahead of his arrival but will tweak things for pre-season.
"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 sense of excitement at Iraola's appointment. The report states that the misery of last season "dragged down the mood in the Liverpool dressing room towards the end of Slot’s reign".However, it states that the players will now "embrace the prospect of a fresh start" and "an injection of positivity and new ideas," confirming that some players view the change in manager as a "clean slate".The reports have vindicated Robbie Fowler's prediction that the players would welcome the news of Slot's dismissal.
The Liverpool icon told Mirror Football, ahead of Iraola getting the Anfield job, that now is a time 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? If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass 'designed for football'This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.