New Liverpool coach shares reality of working under Andoni Iraola - 'He is different'
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool players are set for a huge change this summer, with Andoni Iraola's arrival bringing in a new style of play and a fresh way of working for the new seasonPablo de la Torre has spoken about life under Andoni Iraola and what Liverpool fans can expect(Image: (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images))The World Cup is into the latter stages, but the days are slowly counting down to the new season, and with it comes Andoni Iraola's first chance to take his Liverpool team into Premier League action.The Spanish head coach is set to shake things up at Anfield, with Arne Slot's patient possession-based approach likely to be switched out for more intensity and directness. That will come with plenty of changes, which will start in just a few weeks when pre-season rolls around, where there is an opportunity to go into the details of the tactical work he wants to implement.It's unclear just how long it may take for those ideas to sink in and work on the pitch, but the Liverpool fans already have a glimpse of how the new head coach works.One of his trusted assistants, Pablo de la Torre, is going to be part of the new-look backroom staff for the Reds after spending time with Iraola at AEK Larnaca, Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, and he has given an insight into his methods.Speaking to AS, the new Liverpool coach said: "He’s [Iraola] incredibly intelligent, leads by example, and has a rare emotional stability in such a visceral sport.“From day one, you sense he’s different.
His ability to read the game and its needs is almost unique. He filters information so players can digest it easily and apply it every week.“The key is building a game model and team identity where players truly believe in the coach’s idea.”New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)It's an ideal insight into what Iraola will bring to Liverpool, as he looks to implement a style of play that is familiar to the club after Jurgen Klopp's success."He builds brave teams," De la Torre added.
"Capable of believing they can beat anyone — even going a full round [half of the season] unbeaten, something only Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea had ever done.”That will be music to the ears of the supporters, who will be hoping that the brave and intense football can bring a spark back to Anfield after a disappointing previous campaign that left many feeling flat or disconnected from the team on the pitch.One of the main question marks over Iraola's appointment is whether he can scale that type of football up from Bournemouth to a team the size of Liverpool.The Reds are likely to face different issues compared to the Cherries, largely due to the quality of players at their disposal and the way that opposition teams react to that.It may mean some slight changes or a far-from-perfect start, as the players adjust to his methods, and the manager adjusts to the new challenges he faces.However, if Liverpool can hit the ground running, then the Reds may be an unstoppable force in the Premier League next season.