12 Jul 2026 17:49:29
I’m absolutely convinced Andoni Iraola is going to make a massive impact in his very first season with us. ?
Some might say it’s too early to judge, but I’m just that confident. When it came down to him or Hoeness, I’d have been happy with either — I knew both would do a great job. But I’ve got a feeling Andoni is going to surprise so many people.
If I was a betting man, I’d put my money on him to win the league! It’ll be between us and Arsenal, mark my words.
Think about it: if we had this squad when Klopp first walked through the door, we’d have won even more trophies. Jurgen laid the perfect foundations. Slot had everything right there on a plate, but decided to change things too much. ?
Now we’ve got Andoni — he’s going to pick up exactly where Jurgen left off, get us playing that Liverpool way again, and put us right back where we belong: on top! ?
12 Jul 2026 20:49:24
Slot's name keeps on being brought up....
Iraola has a lot of work to do, not least with what is going on in the suites above him.
It'd be cool if Iraola had a Klopp effect across the club. Not sure any of us have any insight to know or feel this, beyond what Bournemouth have produced on the pitch, but it would be cool.
12 Jul 2026 21:00:29
Slot was our (last) manager less than two months ago. Of course his name keeps coming up. ?♂️
12 Jul 2026 21:01:53
I think we need to be a little bit patient with the changes that Iraola will hopefully bring.
It's going to take time to get us up to a level of physical competitiveness for a start.
We're starting from a pretty low bar of fitness, players arriving back later than normal from a World Cup (I know a lot are out of the tournament but they were then on holidays).
Just don't expect immediate miracles.
Look for the subtle improvements initially.
Anything else, will be a bonus.
12 Jul 2026 21:24:32
I absolutely endorse your optimism, would be astounded if LFC were to have two bad seasons on the trot.
Starting fixtures are favourable for Andoni to continue his present 16 matches in the PL unbeaten (8W, 8D), a draw is always better than a defeat at the end of any game.
I note Bellingham has scored 6 World Cup goals from 6 apps so far, Wirtz has to step up to the plate and match those figures in the PL, his honeymoon is well and truly over, it's now the time to deliver. Full stop. Isak also similarly has to match Haaland's past PL figures, and with Hugo to return circa in the new year, what a boost that gives LFC if we are there or thereabouts for the PL run in.
As Sir Bob always said "ye need the bounce of the ball/Lady Luck to go your way is a massive help" (Injuries, suspensions, loss of form, VAR, referees' decisions noted as well).
Well LFC certainly surprised everyone last season, let's surprise everyone this season for all the right reasons though, playing good football is the foundation of it all! The only way LFC has ever known how to have success, in the past and in the future!
YNWA 97 and 20
(and 21 on the honours board this season hopefully?)
12 Jul 2026 20:40:54
Did this go through chat GPT? It has the same language, use of emojis and use of —
12 Jul 2026 21:56:01
I'll have what you are smoking, Kloppo05.
12 Jul 2026 23:22:06
Kloppo, delusional, we don't even have our starting 11 yet... but fairplay for being optimistic.
12 Jul 2026 23:56:37
Iraola will be like a breath of fresh air after last season's performances. Can't think of many fans who was looking forward to the season with the old manager in charge. He will be given time n the crowd will have the patience for him to get on with his job.
I for one im really looking forward to see how we so, but some players need to step up, but sure they will.
13 Jul 2026 00:15:37
I'm with the OP and 007. I'm excited and am predicting a good season. The competition isn't that strong, we have a good team and we will add to it before the season starts.
I've already got a bet on with a colleague.
We will finish top 2. Much as I hate to say it, I think Arsenal's settled defence will see them defend their title. Again that's more to do with the standard of competition more than anything else.
13 Jul 2026 00:44:22
I think we need to see what the squad will be before we can sensibly set our expectations.
13 Jul 2026 08:15:50
I'm usually always positive but since the appointment of Iraola it's more hope than expectation.
My heart hopes he's Klopp 2.0 but my head tells me Rodgers mark 2.
13 Jul 2026 08:21:21
It's amazing the sheer number of people who have a serious problem with some optimism. ?
13 Jul 2026 08:34:58
I couldn't agree more, Kloppo. ??
13 Jul 2026 09:26:48
I'm positive for the season ahead, but it's more for the football we will hopefully play over the chances of success.
I think it's pretty evident that the football will be more entertaining than under the man we're not allowed to mention on here, but for Iraola to come in and immediately compete for trophies will be a huge ask.
On paper we have replaced a title winning manager who finished 5th with a manager who finished 6th.
Yes, he will have a far better squad, but it's also a big step up for him.
Top 4 this season playing his way will set up the challenge for PL & CL come the 27/28 season.
13 Jul 2026 11:06:59
One thing that goes in his favour is just how competitive the league is these days. When Klopp took over, he was up against prime City who were getting nearly 100pts each season.
Those days are gone, so Iraola can afford a settling in period and still catch up if his methods gain traction in the second half of the season.
City and Chelsea are in a similar position to us, trying to bed in a new manager, so they will be inconsistent. Arsenal will hopefully be hampered by the new set piece laws, so will have to come up with other ways to score goals.
It's all there for Iraola if he can get some consistency.
13 Jul 2026 13:04:32
I liked his presser this morning. Talking about playing the type of football that the fans can be proud of and talking about the importance of connecting with the fans and the city. Those things alone would be a massive improvement on last season.
13 Jul 2026 13:52:48
Agreed, Shipley. Personally, I'm finally looking forward to watching us play rather than dreading it last season.
It is an entertainment business after all, so what is the point of watching paint dry a couple of times a week?
Hopefully success will come, but the news conference gave me lots of hope.
13 Jul 2026 14:14:47
Already watched more U21 training than Slot did in 2 years, so that alone is a big positive!
13 Jul 2026 14:17:35
A was on yesterday when I spoke about VAR and most people were saying it was correct in the Norway game, but that's only when it went in favour of England. Let's be fair, it's the same during the season, no one is saying about the ball hitting the cable, should have gone back to the keeper. Also, Norway could/should have had a penalty.
Then there's the referee that didn't yellow a player from Paraguay. He's the same ref who denied Scotland, 1 possibly 2 pens, against Morocco, and failed to send off one of their players. Sour grapes maybe, but it's being implemented by idiots. Time to get rid of Howard Webb. Better off with ? Opinions please. ?
13 Jul 2026 16:39:58
I'm with you, Cantremember. I love Doni and he comes across as genuine, competitive and ambitious, and I'm here for all of that.
However, let's just be a bit patient and let the man cook.
There is indeed a lot of work to do, and some of that includes the removal of the wretched instincts instilled into these players throughout last season already, so let's just proceed with cautious optimism.