13 Jul 2026 12:45:57
Iraola says he is not going to "live in a bubble" of just the training ground, stadium and home. He wants to get into the city, experience it, "take some pictures" etc. Says it is "part of the magic of being a Liverpool manager".
That's a good start I would say. Get to know the city, fans and the culture of the city is big part of being a Liverpool manager.
13 Jul 2026 14:42:46
A good sign indeed.
13 Jul 2026 14:56:45
Absolutely it is. Watched his press conference and have to say it filled me with confidence that we've got the right man for the job! Just love the way he's always got a smile on his face, you can tell he loves what he does and he seems to understand already what the club and city is all about! Roll on August.
13 Jul 2026 15:00:19
It always sounds really bad saying this because, obviously, I get football is for everyone and you don't have to be from that area to support a team and all things like this, but having said that, Liverpool Football Club and Liverpool in general, you have to integrate, you have to find out what we're about, you have to become localised, it's what makes the club and the city special.
I know we get a bad rep all over the world (unfounded b******* a lot of the time) but people who genuinely know what Scousers and being in Liverpool is all about will get it.
The place and the club are truly unique and if you truly buy in to it all, there is no better place to become a true true hero, we will love you, protect you, feed you, house you whatever it takes to make you feel special and welcome.
We are people of the people and if you become one of us, nothing can stop you!
I don't mean any offence to our non Scouse fan base either by the way, I wish you could all come and find out what I'm on about!!!
13 Jul 2026 15:15:59
Maybe it's the cynic in me, but the proof will be in the pudding.
Araola will be well aware of the reasons Slot wasn't liked. Non integration into the city, slow, boring football, not using the academy etc. etc.
So, what is the best way to ingratiate yourself to the fanbase in your first presser? Just tell them you're going to do all the things that Slot didn't do and was disliked for.
Easy.
He now has to follow up on those promises which is a lot different than just paying us lip service.
13 Jul 2026 15:25:01
Spelling his name correctly would be a step in the right direction, Rio.
13 Jul 2026 16:14:24
Araola is another word for the outer nipple, Rio, steady on, lad.
13 Jul 2026 16:18:19
Nearly made a bit of a tit of yourself there, Rio
(Areola)
I'll get my coat...
13 Jul 2026 16:37:03
The man knows of what he speaks and clearly has learned from others' mistakes. Good call, Doni.
13 Jul 2026 16:56:03
Great to hear that, same approach as Jurgen getting involved in the city and with the fans.
13 Jul 2026 17:01:15
A lot more promising than living in Manchester's Terminal 2.
13 Jul 2026 17:14:54
What he's said today about getting to know the city isn't just talk; it's him being truthful.
Sky did an interview with Iraola either last season or the season before, where they were driving around Bournemouth with him.
He was speaking about the places they would go as a family for days out and things. Even staying in England rather than going back to Spain for holidays. Worth a look if it's about anywhere YouTube or Sky, maybe.
13 Jul 2026 17:51:52
So, first presser for AI, and I have to say that was underwhelming..... He looked nervous and out of his depth straight out of the gate.
I can’t believe the media team didn’t tell him to dress smarter and have a sodding shave for his first presser to the world's media.
Anyway, the Slot haters have got what they wished for, so we’ll reap what we sowed.
An ex AEK Larnaca manager with the Cypriot Super Cup under his belt.
A much vaunted coaching and fitness staff with years of Championship and League 1 experience, used to playing 40 games a year with a worse injury record and set piece record than Liverpool in the last couple of years.
But at least we’ll play fast, attacking, edge of the seat football with the pressing machine Harvey Elliott leading the way!
13 Jul 2026 18:10:37
Aren't you a cheerful sole, Casey.
13 Jul 2026 18:28:39
Oh Casey, you need help mate.
13 Jul 2026 18:27:42
That's one way to tell everyone you're plain ignorant without actually saying it Casey
13 Jul 2026 19:15:08
Casey is either Slot or Edwards, can't decide which one.
13 Jul 2026 19:42:13
Is Casey fishing or just taking the piss.
13 Jul 2026 20:03:03
Both I think.