Andoni Iraola made his intentions clear from the outset at his first press conference as Liverpool head coach, stating that the club must bring in more players before the new season and pledging to impose his own aggressive style on the team.

The former Bournemouth manager, who guided the Cherries to a sixth-place Premier League finish last season — one place below Liverpool — acknowledged that the step up in scale represents a significant test. "It is a big challenge for me. It is a big change," he said. "Here, most weeks we will not have a clean week, we will have a midweek game, but it is a great opportunity."

More arrivals needed

Iraola confirmed that Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, the two signings completed so far, are only the beginning. "Obviously, we have signed two players already but we need more players. We know this. The club is working on this," he said.

He stressed that coping with a packed fixture calendar requires genuine squad depth. "It is impossible to deal with this kind of season with 15 players. You need the squad. December and January — those months are hard."

Bournemouth played just 40 matches across all competitions last season, a far lighter load than Liverpool will face across the Premier League, European football, and domestic cup competitions.

Injuries and departures to overcome

Iraola faces the added complication of losing key personnel before his reign has even begun. Hugo Ekitike — the only Liverpool player to score ten or more Premier League goals last season — is sidelined with a long-term injury alongside Conor Bradley and Geovanni Leoni. Mohamed Salah, the club's all-time record Premier League scorer, has also left Anfield.

"We have to accept the difficult situation right now. A lot of senior players leaving, very important players. Also, some of the very important players are injured," Iraola said. "The three players, I love them. They are long-term solutions but we have to try and find solutions."

His way, his principles

Despite the challenges ahead, Iraola was emphatic that he will not compromise on his identity as a coach. He was hired to bring high-intensity, aggressive football to Anfield, and he has no intention of softening that approach.

"I will try to be the same coach. You have to be yourself and I will try to be," he said. "With the players, who have big personalities and egos, I will try not to change."

He outlined his tactical priorities clearly, emphasising time spent in the opposition half with and without the ball. "I prefer to face low blocks in terms of the way we will be in control of the games — we will probably concede less chances, spend a lot of time in the opposition half," he explained.

Iraola also expressed a desire to connect with the Anfield crowd, recalling his experience as a visiting manager. "I have been on the other side at Anfield, you can feel the stadium. I would love to have this every game we play. We have to be a team that works hard, intense and aggressive — so everyone can be identified and feel comfortable supporting this team."