Liverpool legend Ian Rush has thrown his support behind new Anfield boss Andoni Iraola, urging patience while stressing that a strong opening run of fixtures will be decisive for the season ahead.

Rush, who scored 346 goals for Liverpool across two spells, believes the early weeks of the campaign will set the tone. "The first four or five games will be important," he said. "If you start well, that gives everyone the confidence to go on and be more successful."

Time is the key ingredient

The Welsh striker acknowledged the squad faces a period of transition following summer departures, but remained optimistic that reinforcements — through returning injured players and possible late transfer activity — could provide the stability Iraola needs.

"Iraola has to be given time," Rush added. "If we win a trophy that'd be great, but if he's given time, I'm sure he will deliver the goods. We've got players coming back from injury so, if we can get them back fit, it might be OK. There are still a few weeks to go, so let's see what happens in terms of transfers."

Rush was clear that the benchmark at Anfield remains unchanged. "Winning the league is always the standard at Liverpool," he said — a reminder of the enormous expectation that comes with managing one of English football's most decorated clubs.

Slot's difficult exit sets the scene

Iraola was appointed as Arne Slot's successor in June, after the Dutch manager paid the price for a difficult second season at the helm. That campaign had followed Slot's remarkable debut year, which delivered the Premier League title — yet his final months were marked by frustrated supporters, with Liverpool booed at Anfield on several occasions.

The task before Iraola is twofold: restore the atmosphere inside Anfield and push the club back toward the summit of English football. Last season's fifth-placed Premier League finish saw the Reds qualify for the UEFA Champions League only on the final day — a standard that falls well short of what this club demands.

The Spaniard arrives with a reputation for building cohesive, high-intensity sides, and Rush, for one, is convinced he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.