Andoni Iraola believes Michael Edwards’ impending departure from Fenway Sports Group will not affect his chances of succeeding at Liverpool.
The new head coach revealed FSG have acknowledged that “everything is not perfect” at Anfield as he begins pre-season preparations at the AXA Training Centre.
Edwards, Liverpool’s former sporting director, confirmed on Friday that he will step down from his role at FSG after two years, following the ownership group’s decision to move away from plans for a multi-club model.
Iraola, who signed a two-year deal to replace Arne Slot, insists Edwards’ exit will not impact his daily work and is focused on building the squad alongside sporting director Richard Hughes.
“No, I have to be honest,” Iraola said when asked about Edwards leaving.
“I’m focused on my job which is a massive one in terms of getting ready to start working with the players, trying to find the best spot for a player, trying to create a collective atmosphere where they can perform, and in my everyday, I’m more worried about transfers.
“I talk to Richard Hughes, I talk to (FSG president) Mike Gordon, I talked to Michael Edwards – in the times I’ve spoken to him he seems super-smart – so it is unfortunate he’s not going to continue with us but he’s explained very well his decision and his reasons.
“I think it’s more at ownership level than something that is going to effect the coach.”
Iraola added: “I feel like I have a lot of things to prove in terms of I’ve never coached a club as big as Liverpool. So, it’s a big challenge for me.
“But there always has to be that first moment. My career has been slowly, slowly, you know?
“Going to a better club, to a better club, then you get a promotion, or the La Liga, then Premier League, then you get to a better class.
“So, I’ve experienced this kind of change of goals or coaching in a bigger club, and there is always a time where I say: ‘You have to prove that you belong’.
“And this is the first month for me now. It’s like, I need to prove myself, and get everyone to know that I belong here. That I have the level to stay here. That I have the level to coach Liverpool, and that’s my challenge short term, you know?
“Once you’ve gone through this process, and everyone understands that you belong there, everything gets easier. I think from the players, the supporters, the media, the opposition, but you have to go through this process.
“This always happens. I trust myself a lot, and I think I’m ready for the challenge that I know is very big. When I came here, the owners told me everything is not perfect.
“They said we would have some challenges, we would have to replace important players leaving, we have some injuries, but we are here to solve these kinds of problems and to try to maximize what we have. In my opinion, we have a very good squad.”
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