Liverpool legend Ian Rush has called on supporters to show patience with new head coach Andoni Iraola, insisting the Spaniard must be given the time and space to establish his approach at Anfield.

Iraola, 44, was confirmed as Arne Slot's replacement in June and faces his first competitive fixture as Liverpool manager when the Reds travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday, 23 August.

Trophies and time

Rush, Liverpool's all-time record goalscorer, believes Iraola should target silverware in his debut season — but he was firm that expectations must be tempered at the outset.

"I think the first four or five games, that's going to be important," Rush said. "If you start well, that will give everyone the confidence to go on and be more successful."

Asked what success would look like for Liverpool this season, Rush added: "I've been asked every year for 30 years and I say to win the league. That's the standard at Liverpool. But no, he's got to be given time. If you win a trophy, that would be great. But he needs to be given time and I'm sure he'll deliver the goods."

Transfers, injuries, and Salah's departure

Liverpool have added centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and Spain winger Victor Munoz since Iraola's appointment, yet the squad has been reshaped considerably — with left-back Andy Robertson, defender Ibrahima Konate, and Mohamed Salah all departing over the summer.

Rush encouraged fans to remain calm over the club's modest transfer activity, pointing to the imminent returns of Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, and youngster Giovanni Leoni from long-term injuries as significant reinforcements in waiting.

"We'd all like to make one or two more signings, but there's a time and a place with everything," he said. "We've got people coming back from injury, if we can get them back it might be okay. There's still a few weeks to go so let's see what happens."

Salah, who is closing in on a move to Turkish club Trabzonspor following his Anfield exit, scored 257 goals in nine seasons for Liverpool. Rush — whose club record tally of 346 goals remains 89 ahead of the Egypt international — joked he was quietly relieved to see the forward depart.

"I think it's amazing, what he's done for Liverpool in nine years, it makes him a very, very special player," Rush said. "He'll always be welcome at Liverpool Football Club. We wish him well — but at least my record's safe for now."

Welsh talent in focus

Rush has also been monitoring two Wales internationals with Liverpool connections: Lewis Koumas and Harry Wilson. Koumas impressed with a goal in Liverpool's 4-2 pre-season win over Sunderland, while Wilson proved a key figure for Leeds United in their comeback victory against Iraola's side in Chicago.

"I've seen Lewis quite a lot in pre-season, he looks very, very good," Rush said. "Harry Wilson came on in the second half — he was a major influence for Leeds in beating Liverpool."

A legend honoured at Anfield

Away from the transfer window, Rush attended the launch of a new exhibition dedicated to his career at Anfield's LFC Museum on Wednesday. Titled All You Need Is Rush, the display features all 16 of his career hat-trick balls, two European Golden Boots, and three match-worn FA Cup final winning shirts — all donated by Rush himself.

Visitors are greeted by a hologram of the former striker before following a comic book-style timeline of his career along the museum walls. Clips of his most iconic goals and quotes from Diego Maradona, Sir Kenny Dalglish, and Bob Paisley feature throughout.

"It feels tremendous. I found it quite emotional," Rush admitted. "When you stop playing, you forget about what you've achieved. To get it all out, get it cleaned up and share it with Liverpool Football Club is great."

The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, 14 August — 30 years after Rush's final appearance in one of his 660 games for the club. Club historian Mark Platt described the project as "a labour of love," adding: "Growing up in the eighties, Rushy was everyone's hero."