17 Jul 2026 10:31:15
Tris, if you’re about mate. I dunno if you’ve did it already but what’s your opinions on our new coach as a man and coach?
Also what are you expecting this season?
Reds all opinions welcome!
{Ed001's Note - I love Iraola, been watching him for a while, purely because he looks the absolute spitting image of a Spanish friend of my parents from when they lived out there. So I kept an eye on his progress because of that and was really excited when he joined Bournemouth, as it was a big chance for him. He impressed me even more there. It is not just the style of football, which I love, but his whole attitude to the game. He wants to win and he wants to win in style, obviously, but he also is very keen to integrate himself into the community anywhere he has been. I think that is a massive help to any manager to become a success or to get through rough patches at Liverpool. He understands that a club is part of the local community and wants to harness that to help the team. At a club the size of Liverpool, that is a big help. We don't necessarily need a oversized Shanks or Klopp personality, though they were great, we are happy with a quieter type, so long as we can identify with the club under them. I think Iraola will bring that.
The first season will still be tough for him, the extra games in Europe and the baseline fitness being so low for the squad is going to make it a hard slog. So I am just expecting to enjoy watching us and nothing else for a season. I just want to see the players actually giving their all and playing for the shirt once more. It will be a learning experience for Iraola, figuring out how to keep the level of performance up when playing twice a week, every week, so I won't be expecting it to be a title charge and long runs in the cups. Just better football and more effort while he builds for the long term success of the team.}
17 Jul 2026 11:37:49
I'd be happy with that. Don't think it's going to go down too well with a lot on here though. ?
17 Jul 2026 11:39:07
You summed it up perfectly, Tris.
17 Jul 2026 11:49:23
Couldn't agree with you more, Tris.
All I am hoping in terms of final reckoning is that we get into a CL place come the end of the season.
The resultant fitness level improvements will hold us in such great stead for the future seasons.
I expect a slow start, and as a result I am glad that, barring a couple of banana skins, we haven't got the hardest first 10 games. I expect us to get stronger as the season progresses and the effort put into fitness starts paying off.
17 Jul 2026 12:40:07
Have to agree there, Tris, thanks for the reply, mate.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate, it was a good question.}
17 Jul 2026 12:33:02
I feel even more excited about the forthcoming season after reading your write-up Ed001.
17 Jul 2026 11:36:55
Agree there ed. I wanted him when Slot was first reported for the chop last Christmas. So happy he's in and watching these inside training videos has got me hooked. As Elliot pointed out his legs are gone but mind is full. I think all the youngsters will be chomping at the bit to play for him and learn.
17 Jul 2026 11:53:25
So Ed on that note are you pleased we got him instead of Alonso say because deep down me personally would've loved Alonso and before anyone says he's no PL experience, a lot of managers/coaches have done well without that, Klopp being one of them for example, nevertheless I'm delighted we have this man and Slot has gone bearing in mind he won us the PL Title which will never be forgotten
{Ed001's Note - yes mate, I had said a long time ago that Iraola was the man I most wanted, but would be happy with Hoeness or Alonso. He has the right kind of attitude for us as a fanbase to connect with and at Liverpool that is almost as important as all the rest.}
17 Jul 2026 11:59:20
Perfectly said Ed .If he brings back the joy, hardwork and convection with the fan base, whilst scouring top 4 and maybe a cup run, then that would be a successful first season.
17 Jul 2026 12:49:15
Excellent points, Tris (Sorry Ed01, lol). As for the club and community part being inter-woven, Doni played at Bilbao and we all know how close that club is to it's community and its Basque traditions. So coming over to a club like B'mouth (also close to their community) and now LFC. The through line are there so him saying he wanted to be part od us as in the city, community and fan base is actually genuine, imo.
As for this season, it is going to be a slow burner for me as well. Doni has to coach out the rubbish these players being asked to do last season while getting them fit progressively to play his way. All that title race stuff? i'm not on that, either. One game at a time and looking forward to being excited to watch my team play for once, damn it.
17 Jul 2026 13:24:08
The early years with Klopp, we didn't win any titles. But me and my wife enjoyed watching the games, enjoyed watching Klopp on the sideline. We missed that so much. I hope Iraola will bring them back to us.
I really miss Klopp.
17 Jul 2026 13:44:27
He will give us a style of football we can get behind that's no.1 for me. Whether fitness levels at start will b able to cope with his style of football, maybe not, but they will get there.
Try to play good attacking football with everybody giving 100% and LFC fans will get behind that even if results not great.
Eventually, he will need to put trophies on the table as a LFC manager, no doubt, but he will be given time.
17 Jul 2026 15:07:01
I'm sorry to be a harbinger of doom, but football supporters being what they are, and Liverpool supporters are no different. If we are playing more exciting football than last season's dross, but are mid table come xmas, I'm fairly sure there will be signs of discontent among supporters, on here for absolute sure.