Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has laid out the philosophy he hopes will define a new era at Anfield, insisting that teamwork, commitment and trust in young players will form the backbone of his project as he begins life in charge of the Premier League club.
Speaking in his first extensive interview since succeeding the dismissed Arne Slot, the 44-year-old explained how his upbringing in Spain’s Basque Country has shaped his coaching beliefs and why he sees strong similarities between Liverpool and his former club, Athletic Bilbao.
Basque Values Shape Iraola’s Football Philosophy
Iraola believes the culture of the Basque region has had a profound influence on the way many Spanish coaches approach football.
Rather than focusing on individual stars, he argued that lasting success comes from putting the team ahead of personal recognition.
According to the Liverpool boss, Spain has consistently excelled in collective sports because players are raised to prioritize the group over individual achievement.
He pointed to Spain’s recent international success as evidence that a unified team mentality often delivers greater rewards than relying on standout performers alone.
Why Liverpool Felt Like the Right Fit
For Iraola, Liverpool’s identity closely mirrors the values he experienced during his playing days at Athletic Bilbao.
He described both clubs as institutions built around a strong sense of belonging, passionate supporters and an emotional connection with academy players.
While acknowledging Liverpool’s significantly larger global profile, Iraola said both clubs share a culture that values loyalty, resilience and community above all else.
Those similarities, he believes, made accepting Liverpool’s offer a natural decision.
Determined to Reconnect With the City
Unlike his predecessor, who faced criticism from sections of the fanbase for not fully embracing the culture surrounding the club, Iraola has already begun settling into life on Merseyside.
Rather than taking an extended summer holiday, the Spaniard focused on relocating his family, searching for a home and finding schools for his children.
He has also expressed a desire to explore Liverpool beyond football, having previously enjoyed visiting the city’s famous Christmas markets.
Away from the training ground, Iraola enjoys cycling and has already received recommendations for routes around Merseyside after frequently riding through Dorset during his time managing Bournemouth.
Academy Development Remains a Core Principle
One of the strongest themes throughout Iraola’s interview was his commitment to developing homegrown talent.
His years at Athletic Bilbao, where the club’s recruitment policy limits players to those with Basque connections, taught him the importance of maximizing every member of the squad rather than constantly seeking external replacements.
Iraola believes that environment created stronger bonds between players and supporters while demanding total commitment from everyone involved.
Those experiences continue to influence how he intends to build Liverpool’s squad.
Ernesto Valverde Leaves the Biggest Coaching Influence
Although Iraola worked under several respected managers during his career—including Marcelo Bielsa, Vicente del Bosque and Patrick Vieira—he identified Ernesto Valverde as the coach who had the greatest impact on his development.
He praised Valverde for his calm leadership, practical decision-making and ability to manage both regular starters and squad players with equal respect.
Iraola credited those qualities with shaping many of his own coaching methods and leadership style.
Restoring Liverpool’s Competitive Identity
Liverpool endured a turbulent campaign before Iraola’s appointment, with criticism surrounding both performances and the atmosphere at Anfield.
Champions League qualification was only secured on the final weekend, while supporters grew increasingly frustrated with inconsistent displays.
Iraola acknowledged that rebuilding the connection between the team and its fans is one of his biggest priorities.
He stressed that supporters want more than attractive football—they expect players to fight for every challenge, press aggressively and demonstrate commitment throughout every match.
Delivering that level of effort, he believes, naturally strengthens the bond between the squad and the crowd.
Building a Team That Is Difficult to Defeat
While attractive football remains important, Iraola insists his ultimate objective is creating a side defined by resilience, discipline and consistency.
Currently leading Liverpool through a preseason training camp in Chicago ahead of a tour of the United States, the Spaniard said performances on the pitch—not interviews or public statements—will ultimately determine whether his reign succeeds.
His ambition is straightforward: build a Liverpool side that opponents find extremely difficult to beat while restoring the competitive spirit and collective identity that supporters expect from the club.
