Iraola: I want fans to be proud of this team, we're working on more new signings

Andoni Iraola held his first press conference as Liverpool's new manager. During the briefing, the Basque coach explained that the club is working diligently to bring in new signings and outlined the playing style he intends to implement to make fans proud of the team. Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot after his two-year tenure at Anfield, also discussed his contract length, which is for just two seasons.

Here's a summary of the key points from the new manager's press conference today:

"I want to give the people a team they can be proud of. Football, especially at Liverpool, is about connecting with the fans. I felt that last season when I was on the opposing side and Chiesa scored that goal. You could feel the stadium. I'd love to have that on my side now. But that has to come from us. We need to create a team that works hard and is aggressive, so everyone can identify with it and feel comfortable supporting it."

"We've already brought in two new players, and we know we need more. We're working on that. As a coach, I'd love all the players to be here from day one, but we all know that's not how it works. We're working hard on new additions."

"I spoke with our players at the World Cup, especially those who had already been eliminated. They're enjoying their break, and I didn't want to disturb them, but I had some good conversations. I used these weeks to talk to many people who work here daily. They create a good environment for our players to perform at their best."

"Until I experience certain things, I won't fully know what it's like to be at Liverpool. I understand it's a massive club. Everything I say is carefully analyzed. As a manager, I wouldn't want to change too many things."

"I've spoken with players and staff about what's working well and what we want to do differently. Not necessarily better, but differently. I have the advantage that the players know what we demand in terms of playing style. I ask them what they feel comfortable with so I can understand them."

"The impact of the World Cup? We can't change that. Players need three weeks off to enjoy time with family and friends. They need a break after a demanding season."

"I'll try to be the same coach. I understand I'll make mistakes and say things I shouldn't. You have to be yourself, and I'll try. I can't say everything here; I need to keep some things private from the media."

"You've seen what I've done for three years in the Premier League. People involved in football know what we try to do. I understand this is Liverpool, and we need to change some things, even tactically, but they brought me in because they want many of the things I've done at other clubs. I don't want to change the DNA of my teams. I try to be as natural as possible."

"We have to accept that there are difficulties right now – many players are leaving, including those who achieved everything here, and other key players are long-term injured – Ekitike, Bradley, Leoni. So we need to replace important players who perform well, and the three injured players will be out for a while. We need to find a way to replace them. The three are long-term solutions, but in the meantime, there will be a period where we'll be without them, so we need solutions."

"I think we need to stick to our core principles. Perhaps in many matches, we'll face a low block, but I prefer that – to control the game and concede fewer chances. These are the scenarios we prefer. I want us to be in the opponent's half and create opportunities."

"Why is the contract two years? In coaching, contracts don't hold much significance. I don't want to be somewhere just because of a contract. Most often, I sign year by year. Many managers have long-term contracts, but sometimes the club no longer wants them. For a player, it's important, but for a manager, it's not. If the club is happy, I'm happy. That will mean I'll want to stay here for many more years, that I've done my job. I've always done things this way."

"I think the big challenge and the big change for me is that I'll have a lot more work. Most of the time, we'll have a midweek game. I loved that as a player. It's an opportunity to use more players because it's impossible to manage with only about 15 players. We'll need the entire squad. So we need to be prepared in terms of squad depth to get through these months – December, January – which are very tough."

"Harvey Elliott is here with us. I saw that he's eager to show what he can do, to prepare extremely well. He'll have a chance in pre-season; we'll need him," Iraola stated.