Liverpool fans have already fallen in love with Andoni Iraola after comment about World Cup in first interview

Andoni Iraola has made a strong first impression with Liverpool supporters after explaining why he is excited about the prospect of senior players featuring at this summer's World Cup.

On Thursday night, Iraola was announced as the successor to Arne Slot, who was sacked just a year after winning the Premier League.

A press release from Liverpool mentioned the Spaniard's three-year spell at Bournemouth, where he recently led them into Europe for the first time in their history following a sixth-placed finish in the league.

Speaking about his ambitions going forward, Iraola mentioned getting the opportunity to coach top players who will "give you the chance to win titles".

But for many supporters, it was the 43-year-old's comments about working with young players and returning loanees that filled them with optimism about what the future could hold.

Asked about Liverpool's mid-World Cup pre-season, which will see several first-team players feature at the tournament in North America, he spoke about getting the opportunity to look elsewhere.

"It gives us the chance to know them better," he said, referring to young players and returning loanees. "They will be an important part of the American tour. It works very well."

Iraola in his first interview saying he's excited about senior players being at the World Cup because it means he gets a chance to work with the young players at the start of pre-season. I love him already.

— barry (@BackseatsmanLFC) June 4, 2026

Fans react to Andoni Iraola's comments in his first interview as Liverpool head coach

Many supporters found Iraola's desire to work alongside youth refreshing.

One fan wrote: "A manager who sees the World Cup as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience. We are not used to this," and a second commented: "He gets it already."

A third said: "Just compare this to Slot, man. The difference between them is night and day and we’ve only had one interview," while a fourth wrote: "I couldn't be more excited for this man to be at our club."

A fifth added: "Leoni, Jacquet, Chambers, Beck, Bajcetic, Nyoni, Elliott, Rio, Danns, Wright. All getting to show their worth in pre-season is so so exciting."

Andoni Iraola’s first interview as boss👇 pic.twitter.com/rdd99CplBa

— Anfield Papers (@AnfieldPapers) June 4, 2026

Andoni Iraola explains why he took the Liverpool job

Speaking in his first interview as Liverpool manager, Iraola gave an insight into why he took the job.

"I identify with the football and the values of the squad, and we are all in for this year. It helps a lot that, on the other side of the table, there is someone you have worked with [in Richard Hughes]. We were one year together.

"But this case it's about Liverpool, that's what really attracted me. I am looking forward to getting all the information so I can better understand the club.

"We still have time, one month before we [start] work with the players, but I want to use this month to arrive in the proper way. I have been here three years in the Premier League and people have seen Bournemouth play.

"There are some things we need to change coaching Liverpool, but I wouldn't like to lose our identity: the intensity, the aggressiveness, the organisation. There are certain things that I would like to always have in my team, but you also have to adapt to the players you have...

"The fundamentals match quite well what has been Liverpool over the last few years, so I think we can make it work. Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles.

"When you arrive to a [new] place, you can't promise everything, but I understand where I am coming and what is expected. I am ready for the challenge."

Iraola also spoke about the importance of hitting the ground running, adding: “At the beginning when you arrive at any club, I think you need to kind of prove a little bit yourself. You need to earn the right also to belong.

"I want to do this as quickly as possible so I can also celebrate with them and I can be part properly of those celebrations.

“For me, football is about emotions. About passion. I’m quite cool-headed probably, during my life quite rational, I would say. But it’s true that when the game starts, when you have to celebrate a goal, something is inside, no?

“I think this inner energy, you need it as a player, you need it as a supporter, you need it as a coach. No better place than Anfield," added Iraola.