Photo: AFC Bournemouth / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Andoni Iraola has set a clear standard for his Liverpool players ahead of their first home Premier League fixture of the 2026-27 season, demanding a level of commitment supporters can fully identify with.
The head coach will take charge of his first Anfield match when Nottingham Forest visit on Saturday lunchtime. Liverpool are looking for their first points of the campaign after drawing 2-2 at Newcastle United on the opening weekend.
Speaking in a pre-match interview with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard for TNT Sports, Iraola outlined what he wants fans to feel when they leave Anfield.
"One of our goals is to get this connection with the fans," Iraola said. "I always tell the players, 'The fans have to feel that if they were in your position, they would do exactly the same as you are doing.'"
Iraola acknowledged that supporters cannot replicate technical qualities but expect full physical effort. "The fans probably cannot put a free-kick into the top corner. But they are thinking, 'If I was there, I will give everything – I will follow every ball, I will attack the spaces, I will press, I will head the ball, I will win the second [balls].'"
The Spaniard believes building that bond between squad and supporters will be decisive for Liverpool's season. "When you create this connection, we are going to be much, much better. We have to do our part – because I'm sure if we do our part, the other side will be there."