Andoni Iraola: Liverpool boss wants to give fans ‘a team to be proud of’

Andoni Iraola said he wants to give Liverpool Fans “have a team they can be proud of” and he is ready to take on such a high-profile job.

The 44-year-old signed a two-year contract Liverpool After three successful seasons last month Bournemouth.

Liverpool Finished fifth in the Premier League last season, one place ahead BournemouthAnd Arne Slott was fired on May 30.

Anfield fans bemoaned the team’s lack of dynamism last season and the Spaniard admits his side must first inspire the Anfield crowd to regain vocal support.

“I think football and especially Liverpool It’s about connection – connecting with people, connecting with our supporters,” he said at his first media conference after being appointed.

“I was on the other side of it at Anfield. I felt the goal that (Federico) Chiesa scored on the first day of last season (Liverpoolwinner v Bournemouth)

“You can feel the stadium and I want to have that every time we play – but it has to come from us, from inside the pitch.

“We have to be a team that works hard – intense, aggressive and vertical – so that everyone can identify and everyone can feel comfortable supporting this team.”

Iraola managed AEK Larnaca in Cyprus then Spanish sides Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano before the Cherries, but believes he is ready for the challenge of one of the world’s biggest clubs.

“I’m ready for it. I understand it’s a big club,” he said.

“What I’m saying now is the biggest scrutiny. You have to be very aware of mistakes but I don’t want to be too careful. I want to be quite normal.

“I’m not going live in my bubble – just at the training ground and at home. I want to go to the city, experience the city. I know some places where I want to take some pictures.

“That’s part of the magic of being Liverpool The manager and I don’t want to change too much.”