Andoni Iraola rule change emerges as Liverpool stars make feelings clear | Football | Sport
Andoni Iraola has taken charge of Liverpool on a permanent basis (Image: Andrew Powell, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
After a whirlwind week of introductions, Andoni Iraola will be working tirelessly to make his mark on Liverpool. The Spaniard has been confirmed as their new permanent head coach following Arne Slot‘s recent dismissal. His three impressive campaigns at Bournemouth have placed him in strong stead to assume control at Anfield. Nonetheless, as with any managerial change, considerable transformations lie ahead for the club.
Liverpool‘s summer transfer business is also anticipated to be significant under their new manager. Yet Iraola’s views on what he wishes to alter – and what he intends to preserve – concerning the Reds’ pre-season preparations have now emerged. Elsewhere, the club’s senior players have expressed their opinions on the 43-year-old’s appointment and their reactions to the club’s choice to dismiss Slot.
Here’s a look at the latest Liverpool headlines…
Iraola has revealed that he will make changes to certain plans Slot had established for the Reds this summer. He indicated that those Liverpool players participating at the World Cup will have their return to training closely managed upon their arrival back.
Yet the former Cherries manager emphasised he has no desire to dismantle too much of the foundation established before his appointment.
“Yes, there was already a lot of work done even before we arrived, and we are trying to change as little as possible for the beginning,” he said.
“Obviously there will be different timetables, some of them depending how far they arrive with the national teams [at the World Cup], they will incorporate later or sooner. I think everything is in place so everything is quite smooth and there are no problems.”
The Reds will have eight first-team players at the World Cup. Iraola recognises that those working behind the scenes are best positioned to provide him with the most valuable intelligence while the tournament is ongoing.
“For me right now, I think it’s more than talk to the players. Some of them will be on deserved holidays, some of them will be with their national teams,” he added.
“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 are reportedly excited about working with Iraola next season (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Reds players make feelings clear
A source close to the Liverpool dressing room has informed The Athletic that there is a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding Iraola’s appointment.
The report claims that the misery of last season “dragged down the mood in the Liverpool dressing room towards the end of Slot’s reign”.
Despite this, it suggests that the players will now “embrace the prospect of a fresh start” and “an injection of positivity and new ideas,” with the report confirming that certain players view the managerial change as a “clean slate”.
The reports have lent credibility to Robbie Fowler’s prediction that the players would welcome the news of Slot’s exit.
He told the Liverpool Echo ahead of Iraola securing the Anfield role that this represents a moment for optimism.
Speaking via BetMGM, Fowler 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? How is the system going to be? Are we all going to fit into this system?’ And then obviously the training regime, ‘What do we do in training?’
“For me, football is about creating an environment and a training environment where players want to come in and train all the time and want to be the very best version of themselves. So I think you look forward to it.”
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