Andoni Iraola has declared his ambition to deliver a Liverpool side that supporters can take genuine pride in, insisting he is fully prepared for the demands of managing one of the world's most scrutinised football clubs.

The 44-year-old Spaniard signed a two-year contract with Liverpool last month following three impressive seasons at Bournemouth, where he guided the club to their first European qualification before departing.

"I think football and especially Liverpool is about connecting — connecting with the people, connecting with our supporters," Iraola said at his first media conference since being appointed. "We have to be a team that works hard — is intense, aggressive, and vertical — so everyone can identify and everyone can feel comfortable supporting this team."

Anfield atmosphere a priority

Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season, one position ahead of Bournemouth. The club then parted ways with Arne Slot on 30 May amid widespread criticism of the team's lack of dynamism at Anfield.

Iraola acknowledged that generating the famous Anfield atmosphere is a two-way relationship. He referenced the moment Federico Chiesa's goal on the opening day of last season sent Anfield into raptures — during Liverpool's win over Bournemouth — and stressed that his side must earn that energy from the terraces.

"I've been on the other side at Anfield. You can feel the stadium and I would love to have this every time we play — but that has to come from us, from inside the pitch," he said.

Prepared for the biggest stage

Before joining Bournemouth, Iraola managed AEK Larnaca in Cyprus and Spanish clubs Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano. He was candid about the step up in profile that comes with leading Liverpool but said he has no intention of retreating into a shell.

"I'm ready for it. I understand this is a massive club. Everything I say now is going to get the biggest scrutiny," he said. "I'm not going to live in my bubble — just at the training ground and home. I would like to go to the city, experience the city. It's part of the magic of being the Liverpool manager."

On the two-year length of his deal — shorter than the norm at elite level — Iraola was characteristically pragmatic. He previously signed a two-year deal at Bournemouth before extending it by a year in 2024. "I don't want to be in a place because I have a contract. I feel managers have to earn the right to continue every year, especially in clubs like Liverpool. I've done it everywhere," he said.

Squad additions needed

Most of Liverpool's first-team squad are due back on Merseyside on Tuesday. Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz — Iraola's first signing — remain at the World Cup with Argentina and Spain respectively. A deal for Jeremy Jacquet was agreed in January.

"We need more players — we know this. The club is working on this," Iraola said. Liverpool are understood to be seeking at least one further attacking signing and additional defensive cover.

Harvey Elliott, 23, will be given the opportunity to impress during pre-season after a difficult campaign. Elliott played only 110 minutes for Aston Villa during a season-long Premier League loan, with manager Unai Emery publicly describing the situation as "embarrassing for everyone involved." Villa held an obligation to sign Elliott permanently for £35 million had he reached 10 league appearances, but he managed only five.

"Last season had to be difficult for Harvey. It was a strange situation, and I think he uses this experience — the bad situation — to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player," said Iraola.

Liverpool travel to America next Monday ahead of pre-season fixtures against Sunderland, Wrexham, and Leeds United.