Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's newly appointed head coach, has shed light on his decision to commit to only a two-year contract at Anfield — a pattern that has defined his managerial career from the outset.

Speaking at his first press conference on Monday, the 44-year-old dismissed concerns about contract length, framing short deals as a mutual safeguard for both manager and club.

"Two-year deals, coaching contracts don't matter a lot. I don't want to be in a place because of a contract. I sign year-to-year, basically. A lot of managers have long contracts but sometimes the club doesn't want it," Iraola said.

Iraola drew a sharp distinction between a player's need for financial security and a manager's relationship with their role, arguing that performance — not paperwork — should determine tenure.

"As a player, it's important, but as a manager, it's not important. If you are happy, I am happy. I want to stay here a lot more years, it means I have done a very good job. But we have to earn it. Managers, I feel, have to earn every year the right to continue. Especially in clubs like Liverpool, but I've done it everywhere. I've done it always like this."

The Bournemouth blueprint

Iraola arrives at Anfield on the back of a remarkable campaign with Bournemouth, whom he guided to a sixth-place Premier League finish last season — securing European football for the Cherries for the first time in their history.

That achievement, built on an aggressive, attack-minded philosophy, persuaded Liverpool to hand him the role vacated by Arne Slot. The new head coach made clear that supporters should expect continuity in style.

"I think you have the advantage that you saw me for three years in the Premier League. Some know me better, but the people involved in football, they will know what we try to do."

Attacking DNA stays intact

Iraola outlined his tactical priorities, emphasising territorial dominance and relentless chance creation as the cornerstones of his approach.

"I want to be on the opposition's half, creating chances. Lots of games, maybe you face low blocks, but I prefer that — we're in control, less chances conceding. These are the scenarios we want."

While acknowledging that Liverpool's stature demands certain adaptations, Iraola was firm that his fundamental identity as a coach would remain unchanged.

"I understand this is Liverpool FC, we have to change some things, even tactically, but if they sign me it's because they want a lot of things I was doing at other clubs. So I don't want to change the DNA of my teams on the pitch. I try to be as natural as possible."