Iraola's first interview as Liverpool manager: calls the job a huge challenge, has a clear plan for his style, and admits it's impossible to directly replace Salah.

When asked how he felt about becoming Liverpool manager, Iraola said: "It's a huge challenge. Every time you walk into this building, you feel it; you need to grasp the weight of this club. We're doing well, there's a lot to do in these first few days, but it's a good adaptation period to meet new faces."

Speaking about his work in the initial weeks, Iraola revealed he was primarily getting to know his new colleagues: "The people who work here every day can give me a lot of information about the team and the players – their personalities, preferences, and areas for improvement. The core is to organize each day and create the best environment for them."

When asked about the scale of Liverpool Football Club, Iraola stated: "Coming to a club like this, everything is magnified. There are 20 people around you taking photos, asking you to look this way and that. Every word I say will be highly scrutinized, and even mistakes in press conferences will be exaggerated. But this is also one of the challenges a coach must face. Perhaps there wasn't this kind of pressure where I was before, but I'm ready for it."

Iraola confirmed he has not yet contacted any former Liverpool managers: "Not yet, but I look forward to that opportunity, and I'm sure there will be chances to speak with other coaches in the coming weeks. You truly have to be in it to experience it, but I'm open to any good advice."

Regarding how to replace the departing Salah, Iraola admitted: "This is a challenge. I'm inheriting two less-than-ideal situations: a large number of key veteran players have left – Salah, Robertson, Konate – who were crucial over the past few years; and several key players are suffering serious injuries, including Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and some with minor lingering injuries who missed pre-season. But that's football, you have to adapt. We can't expect to sign one winger to replace Salah; that would almost be setting him up for failure. We certainly need someone in that position, but he might have different qualities and complement the team in another way, and we are working on that."

Regarding continuing his style from Bournemouth at Liverpool, Iraola said: "Of course, they signed me for a reason, and my playing style is the most important one. So I can't come here and completely change, becoming a team I don't believe in. I have a very clear idea of the team's direction. I want to build a connection with the fans and with Anfield. The atmosphere we create at home is a huge advantage, and I want to build a team on that foundation that resonates with the outside world."

When asked if the team needs rebuilding, Iraola replied: "There will certainly be changes. Many accomplished veterans have left, and we need other players to step up – not just on the field, but off it too. Existing players must step up, and they will find themselves in more important positions. At the same time, we need to find solutions from outside to help the good players already in the squad."

Speaking about the two new signings, Jaques and Muñoz, Iraola said: "I've known Jeremy for a long time; he's very young and has all the qualities needed for that position. He injured his shoulder at the end of last season, but he's fully recovered now, already training with the U21s, and ready to go. I also know Victor very well; he can play on both wings, and his attitude and mentality are excellent. I've spoken with him, and he's humble yet ambitious, and will be a great addition."

Regarding Elliott, who has returned from loan, Iraola said: "Many players were missing at the start of pre-season, so he will get the best opportunity. We need him and will give him game time. I saw that he really wanted to get involved in pre-season from the start, even training with the U21s a week early. I hope he has a good start."

When asked what would constitute a successful first season, Iraola stated: "That shouldn't be defined by me. You will judge at the end of the season, but I know what the expectations are for a big club. I am currently focused on building a team that can meet those expectations, maximizing every player's ability, making them better, and establishing a collective system to win trophies, win games, and satisfy everyone's expectations."

Finally, speaking about the feeling of walking out of the tunnel for the second home game of the season against Nottingham Forest, Iraola said: "That will certainly be very emotional. The connection with the fans is one of our strengths, but it must start with performances on the pitch. We have to be a team that makes them proud. In terms of intensity, fighting spirit, and winning every ball, I think that's exactly what people demand. We must do these things almost perfectly to ensure everyone is on our side and build a connection that is difficult for opponents to stop."

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