Andoni Iraola joined Liverpool as head coach this summer, replacing Arne Slot after a three-year tenure as Bournemouth manager. The 44-year-old Basque coach aims to implement an attacking brand of football, drawing on a philosophy of collectiveness and a deep professional bond with his former club, Athletic Club.
The transition happened with surprising speed. While Iraola was in discussions with other clubs after the season ended, Liverpool contacted him within the first two weeks of the off-season. He accepted the role quickly, noting that it didn’t take a lot [to say yes]
, according to reporting from Yahoo.
The Athletic Club Connection and the 2013 Letter
Iraola’s arrival at Anfield is not his first brush with the club. In late 2013, Liverpool targeted the then-31-year-old Athletic Club captain, hoping to secure a deal for him to join Brendan Rodgers’ squad during the January window. Despite the interest, Iraola chose to sign a two-year extension with his boyhood club.
The decision was punctuated by a humble, self-deprecating letter Iraola sent to the Liverpool hierarchy thanking them for their interest. When asked about the letter during a pre-season tour in Chicago, Iraola was hesitant to revisit the story so early in his tenure, stating I wouldn’t like to use it this early. If you remind me in some months, you can ask again!
, as detailed by nytimes.com.
His loyalty to Athletic Club was absolute at the time. He spent 12 years and made 510 appearances for the side, only leaving in the summer of 2015 to join New York City FC in MLS when he felt his role in the squad was beginning to diminish at age 33.
Philosophical Parallels Between Anfield and Bilbao
Iraola sees a distinct spiritual link between Liverpool and Athletic Club, specifically regarding a sense of belonging
and the integration of academy players. He points to the atmosphere of Anfield as a key similarity to the environment he experienced in the Basque country.
This connection is rooted in the restrictive nature of Athletic Club’s policy, which only utilizes players born or developed in the Basque region.
You have to maximise every player you have in the squad. You cannot sell him and choose another one a lot of the time. As a player, you have to give a bit extra. The only way that policy can be successful is if you give 100%.
Andoni Iraola
The Influence of Ernesto Valverde and Basque Collectivism
The blueprint for Iraola’s coaching is heavily influenced by Ernesto Valverde. While Iraola has worked under other notable managers—including Vicente del Bosque with the national team and Patrick Vieira at New York City FC—he identifies Valverde as the most impactful figure in his career. He credits Valverde with giving him his first team opportunity in the academy and praises his common sense and firm but fair treatment of players.
This approach is part of a broader trend of success for Basque and Spanish managers, including Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso.
Reflecting on why Basque and Spanish managers have achieved such success at this level, Andoni Iraola discussed the cultural foundations of their approach.
Tactical Priorities and the Facilitator Role
Rather than positioning himself as the protagonist of the club’s next era, Iraola views his role as a facilitator. He has avoided making bold promises of glory, preferring that his side’s attacking football serve as the primary evidence of his impact.
