Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola confirms pre-season schedule changes
Newly appointed Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed he will alter the club’s pre-season schedule to accommodate players returning from international duty this summer.
The Spaniard recently replaced Arne Slot following the Dutchman’s dismissal from Anfield.
Arriving after three impressive seasons at Bournemouth, the 43-year-old faces a busy summer of squad integration and potential transfer business.
Tailored returns for international players
The incoming regime plans to carefully monitor the fitness of eight first-team squad members currently away at the World Cup.
While the Basque manager intends to tweak the existing summer itinerary, he is keen to avoid wholesale disruption.
“Yes, there was already a lot of work done even before we arrived, and we are trying to change as little as possible for the beginning.”
The former Cherries boss emphasised that returning international stars will follow staggered timetables depending on their national team’s progression in the tournament.
“I think everything is in place so everything is quite smooth and there are no problems.”
Collaborating with existing Anfield staff
Rather than immediately interrupting players on their deserved holidays, the new manager is prioritising critical discussions with the existing backroom staff.
He believes the current coaching setup holds vital insight into squad dynamics to ensure a seamless transition on the first day of training.
“I want to talk to the staff, to the people that were here every day, that know very well the players, to arrive as ready as possible to that first day of pre-season.”
Integrating academy prospects alongside senior professionals is another key priority for the Merseyside outfit over the coming weeks.
“I think especially with a lot of those young players that will do the pre-season with us, a lot of things about the organisation, about the staff, about how we can create the best atmosphere.”
Despite bringing in his own tactical team, the former Rayo Vallecano manager wants to heavily value the personnel already embedded at the club to accelerate his adaptation process.