Andoni Iraola: Priority at Liverpool is to create a 'very difficult' team to beat

New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has outlined his primary mission at the club: to create a team that is "very difficult to beat." The 44-year-old, who replaced Arne Slot following a disappointing campaign that saw the club finish fifth and set a record for losses, believes this defensive and structural resilience is the key to future success.

"For me now, it is about creating a very difficult team to beat," Iraola told reporters during the club's pre-season tour in Chicago. "The team that I envisage now—if we become that team—I think we are going to be successful. But you have to do the job. You have to improve the team, find the best positions for every player, and build the right combinations."

Addressing the expectations of the Anfield faithful, the Basque manager acknowledged that performance is the ultimate metric. "People just want to see the team play well and deliver good results. I know this is 90% of my job," he added. Iraola also drew comparisons between his new club and his hometown side, Athletic Club, citing a similar "sense of belonging" and the unique atmosphere that defines major clubs.

Highlighting the philosophy behind his coaching, Iraola pointed to the "sense of collectiveness" ingrained in Spanish football. He argued that success comes from prioritizing the team over individual accolades, a trait he hopes to instill as Liverpool prepares for its upcoming friendly matches against Sunderland, Wrexham, and Leeds United.