Liverpool must be difficult to beat - Iraola

What the report says

BBC Sport reported that Andoni Iraola has set out making Liverpool “a very difficult team to beat” as an early priority after taking over as head coach. Speaking to reporters in Chicago during the club’s pre-season trip to the United States, the 44-year-old said his focus is on shaping the squad, improving players and finding the right positional relationships rather than relying on public statements.

According to the BBC, Iraola replaced Arne Slot after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League and endured a club-record 20 defeats in all competitions last season. Liverpool’s US tour began with travel to Chicago and includes scheduled friendlies against Sunderland in Nashville, Wrexham in New York and Leeds United in Chicago. Iraola said supporters ultimately want strong performances and results, describing that as the central part of his job.

The former Bournemouth manager said the move developed quickly after he left the south-coast club, adding that Liverpool contacted him soon after the season ended and that accepting did not require much hesitation. The BBC said Liverpool viewed Iraola as a candidate who could help restore an attacking style.

Iraola also discussed parallels between Liverpool and Athletic Club, where he spent much of his playing career, pointing to belonging, academy links and fan connection. He cited the wider Basque and Spanish coaching emphasis on collective effort, saying team-first principles and work without the ball are important parts of his football outlook.