Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has vowed to build a side that will “suffocate” opponents at Anfield with an intense, aggressive style of play.
Iraola was appointed to bring a more intense and aggressive style of football to Anfield after Liverpool’s disappointing campaign under Arne Slot, which saw the Reds finish fifth in the Premier League after suffering 12 defeats.
Discussing the challenge ahead and how he plans to restore Anfield’s fear factor, Andoni Iraola said: “I always talk about energy.
“I want my team to be energetic. I want to be dynamic, to play in a position half as much as we can, sometimes on the ball, sometimes without the ball, try to suffocate the opposition, especially at Anfield.
“We have to make Anfield a very uncomfortable place to come. Because sometimes I’ve come and it’s a lovely stadium, lovely atmosphere, and you try to enjoy it. No.
“We have to make it so it’s going to be nice, but it’s going to be nice for us because you are going to have a hard time. This requires also the connection with the supporters.
“I think one of our biggest advantages is if we get this connection from the team to the supporters, from the supporters to the team, right? It’s very difficult then to stop us, especially at home, because I felt it from the other side.
“[Regaining that connection] is probably one of the first things to do and achieve. Get this connection because this will help us.
“I think it’s something that has to come from the team. I know if the team gives what we want, we’ll have everyone behind us. And this is something that I would like also the players to acknowledge and accept this.”
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