Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's new manager, said he is looking to sign more new players as the Premier League club aims to improve on last season's results.

Liverpool finished fifth last season and have so far signed center-back Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais and winger Victor Muñoz from Osasuna ahead of the 2026-2027 season.

Iraola said in his first press conference as team manager on Monday: "Obviously we have already signed players, but we need more. We know that, and the club is working on it."

He added: "For me as a manager, and somewhat selfishly, we want the players here from day one to train with us during the preseason. But we know football doesn't work that way. The club is working hard to complete those deals."

Life without Salah

The Spanish manager, who joined Liverpool in June after the dismissal of Dutchman Arne Slot, faces the challenge of returning the team to success, as well as dealing with the absence of Mohamed Salah, who was the team's primary source of goals for most of the past decade.

He also acknowledged the need to find solutions for long-term injuries to Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni.

Iraola played for Athletic Bilbao between 2003 and 2015, then took charge of Bournemouth in 2023, leading them to sixth place in the Premier League last season and qualification for the Europa League.

Iraola

The 44-year-old said he may have to adjust some aspects of his style in his new role, the most prominent of his coaching career, after speaking with Liverpool players and staff about what worked for them in the past and areas that could be improved.

He continued: "I think it's different. I have the advantage that the players probably already know what we will ask of them in terms of playing style."

He added: "But we will have time to get to know each other. Knowing a player is one thing, and asking him about positions he feels comfortable in and where he sees himself is another, because I ask them those questions."

He said: "After I see them, I will run some tests during the preseason, form my impressions, and then make decisions based on that."

Iraola stressed that he understands the magnitude of responsibility in his new role and is ready for it, adding: "I'd like to think so. I am aware of it, but I won't fully know until I go through some experiences and situations."

The Spaniard concluded: "I am here to face those situations and I am ready for them. I understand that this is a huge experience, and that everything I say will be scrutinized, and you have to be aware of mistakes. I don't want to be overly cautious, and I won't live in a bubble."

Advertorial

Advertorial