Andoni Iraola has taken over as Liverpool’s head coach with a clear vision rooted in the collective ethos that has marked the success of Basque and Spanish football managers in recent years. The 44-year-old, who replaced Arne Slot following a disappointing season, recently spoke at length about how this team-first mentality will underpin his approach as he seeks to restore form and reconnect the club with its supporters.

Iraola, a former Athletic Club Bilbao captain who reached the 2012 Europa League final, draws heavily on his Basque football upbringing, which emphasizes unity, hard work, and promoting youth within a strong club identity. He linked Spain’s recent dominance in major football competitions—including the World Cup, European Championships, Champions League, and English domestic trophies—to a broader societal value of putting the collective above individual glory. “Spain has never had the best athletes,” Iraola noted, “but in collective sports like football, basketball, and handball, we always put the team first.” He cited Rodri’s recognition as the best player of the recent World Cup despite a lack of goals or assists as a prime example of this philosophy in action.

This collective mindset, Iraola explained, extends beyond football, reflecting how a society values cooperation and prioritizes those with less. He sees parallels between his boyhood club and Liverpool, highlighting both sides’ strong academy connections and unique club cultures that foster a sense of belonging among players and fans alike. Although Iraola acknowledged differences in size and scale, he believes the underlying principles are similar.

Iraola also addressed challenges faced at Liverpool last season, where internal discord and a perceived focus on individual agendas undermined team unity. “I cannot change the personality of the players,” he said, “but I think we need to think collectively.” He stressed that, while players naturally desire personal success, understanding and contributing to the team’s needs are essential. His approach prioritizes encouraging fight, pressing, and commitment on the pitch—qualities he believes supporters identify with even beyond flashy goals.

Before his managerial career, Iraola had a long association with Athletic Club Bilbao, adhering to the club’s strict policy of fielding players with Basque heritage and focusing on maximizing each player's potential through dedication and hard work. On transitioning to Liverpool, he has committed to immersing himself in the city and club, describing Liverpool as his “new home from home” following a pre-season training camp in Chicago and a US tour featuring games against Sunderland, Wrexham, and Leeds.

While Iraola declined to revisit earlier stories about his rejection of a Liverpool move as a player in 2013, he emphasized the importance of earning respect through performance rather than storytelling. He expressed a humility that aligns with a shift away from high-profile coaching personalities, positioning himself as a facilitator for his players rather than a focal point.

Iraola also credited mentors like Ernesto Valverde for their pragmatic and player-focused approaches, elements he aims to incorporate at Liverpool. As he begins his tenure amid high expectations, his emphasis on collective effort and connection with supporters may prove key in Liverpool’s bid to regain competitiveness in the Premier League and Europe.