Andoni Iraola has felt the ‘crazy’ power of Anfield as an opponent – and cannot wait to have it backing him as Liverpool head coach.
It was confirmed today that the Basque will take up the helm of the Reds ahead of 2026-27, joining the club following three seasons with AFC Bournemouth.
A former professional player with more than 500 appearances for Athletic Club, Iraola’s coaching career also included spells at AEK Larnaca, Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano previously.
He faced Liverpool seven times while in charge of Bournemouth, including a thrilling opening-night match at the start of the past campaign as the Reds won 4-2.
Iraola told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’ve been the other side – I still remember the goal [Federico] Chiesa scored at the end of the first game of the season!
“We were there with 2-2 thinking that probably we could take something. He scored and the place erupted. It was crazy, no? I want now to feel this from the other side.
“At the beginning when you arrive at any club, I think you need to kind of prove a little bit yourself. You need to earn the right also to belong. I want to do this as quickly as possible so I can also celebrate with them and I can be part properly of those celebrations.
“For me, football is about emotions. About passion.
“I’m quite cool-headed probably, during my life quite rational, I would say. But it’s true that when the game starts, when you have to celebrate a goal, something is inside, no?
“I think this inner energy, you need it as a player, you need it as a supporter, you need it as a coach. No better place than Anfield.”
Asked about his ambitions while on Merseyside, he added: “I think Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles. To win titles.
“Obviously when you arrive at a place, you cannot promise everything. You cannot promise. But it’s true that I understand where I’m coming and what is expected.
“I’m ready for the challenge.”
