I Want to Give The Supporters Something To Celebrate: Andoni Iraola

Liverpool and Manchester City will renew one of the Premier League’s biggest rivalries at Anfield today, October 11, with Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola aiming to make a statement in his first match in-charge against City as manager. Speaking in an interview shared by JioStar, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola offered his take on his side’s start to the season, the team’s areas for improvement and the importance of making the most of their home advantage against City.

Speaking in an interview shared by JioStar, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola shared his thoughts on using the international break to reflect on the season so far:

"The international break was a moment to reflect because we normally have a crazy schedule. You get two or three days to prepare for the next game, and then you need a break to analyse how the season has gone so far. With this International break, we have played a good number of games already to analyse and see the things that we've done well and the things that we can improve. It also gives us time on the training pitch to work on a few things we haven't had the chance to touch during the busy weeks. When the games come thick and fast, you are mostly recovering and preparing for the next opponent. So, this break is useful for the staff as well, to sit together and plan how we want the next block of games to look."

On what has surprised him since joining Liverpool:

“Liverpool is a massive club, and I've been probably pleasantly surprised by the attitude of the players. Everyone has been trying to help us, trying to get quickly into the rhythm that we wanted. And still we are in this process of understanding each other, but attitude-wise, the players have been really good for us. From day one, they have been open to the new ideas and the way we want to play. That is not always easy when a new manager comes in and things change. They have shown a lot of professionalism and a real desire to improve. That hunger in the squad has made the transition much smoother for me and my staff."

On the targets he has set for the season:

"We have to arrive as high as we can. We have to be the best team we can be. I don't know where this will put us, but I'm sure that if we can give these players a good platform, a good structure, we will be there fighting for the titles. For me, it is not about setting a points target or saying we must finish in a certain position. It is about building something that lasts. If the team improves week by week and we keep pushing our limits, the results will follow. At a club like Liverpool, the standard is always to compete for trophies. That is the expectation and we accept it. But we have to earn the right to be in that fight by doing the work on the training pitch and staying consistent through the season."

On the challenge of facing Manchester City and what his side needs to do to get a positive result:

"We've been unbeaten so far this season, but Man City have won their first five games, so it makes a big difference on their side. We need to be very, very good if we want to beat City because they've been very strong offensively, scoring a lot of goals lately and the names that they have in their attack are very, very dangerous. But we've shown good defensive improvements lately and I hope we can defend the threats that they have and hurt them on the counter-attack. We know we will not have the ball as much as we do in some other games, so we have to stay compact as a unit. When we win it back, we have to be quick and direct because there will be spaces to attack. Set pieces could also be important in a game like this. We have to take our chances when they come, because against a team like City, you don't get many. "

On the advantage of playing at home against Manchester City:

"The Manchester City game is definitely a big one. Everyone wants to be involved, whether they are playing, watching, or just part of the occasion. We are playing against the team that is right now at the top of the league. So, it is an important game for us, and we know we will have to be at our best. I also know that the fans be looking to help the team. At Anfield, the crowd can make a real difference, especially on nights like this. When the fans are behind us from the first whistle, it gives the players an extra push. We must use that energy and make it count on the pitch. These are the games you look forward to as a manager and as a player. The atmosphere will be special, and we want to give the supporters something to celebrate."