Former Premier League goalkeeper Darren Randolph discussed Andoni Iraola ahead of his Liverpool reign. The Irish shot-stopper was at Bournemouth when he arrived on the South Coast, where a shift in culture took place.
When the news broke that Arne Slot was sacked as the Reds’ head coach, there was one name that stood out. When Iraola confirmed he would leave Bournemouth and hold talks with other clubs, it became an obvious choice.
His style of play is a reminder of Jurgen Klopp’s, which helped the Anfield outfit conquer the World. Slot was able to produce a Premier League title, though even through that success, at times, fans claimed it was boring. It was easy to see past while results were in their favour, it was unforgivable when the tables turned.
The anticipation is building ahead of the first pre-season fixture as Liverpool take on Sunderland on the 25th July. Kopites are eager to see the new look their club will take to act upon with the Spaniard in charge. As supporters look ahead, one of Iraola’s former men points towards positive signs.
A new attitude
One of the major criticisms that fans had during Slot’s time, particularly in the second season, was the training. Players were often seen posting videos and pictures on social media of them spending time on holiday. Whilst this was utilised in his debut campaign, some sections of the fanbase disagreed with the approach due to results.
In an exclusive interview with Redmen TV, Randolph spoke about the training principles under Iraola. He believes that for some of the playing squad, it could be a huge wake-up call following the past 12 months.
“I’ve worked with a lot of managers that have been around in the game for ages or are quite new to the game. He just has a knack of getting everybody on board and getting his ideas across, so you know exactly what he expects.
“I remember speaking to Caoimhín, Adrian, and even Lonas — Andy Lonergan — all goalkeepers, by the way. There’s no days off like when Klopp was in. There’s no days off with Iraola.
“Don’t know about Slot, how he worked. But with Iraola coming in, it could be a shock to the system, depending on how they’ve just been training. But it’s intense.”
One of the major parts of the training schedule allows the 43-year-old to achieve his goals. When he moved to the Cherries, it was a tough period to begin with, with some calling for his job. A few years on, he helped Bournemouth qualify for European football for the first time in their history.
One of the issues is how that style can transfer over to Liverpool, who have matched a different style. Is it possible to make a drastic change so fast? Well, if they can, it will bring back the approach Anfield adored under Klopp.
Liverpool new style of play
Klopp brought back the ‘heavy metal football’ to the shores of Merseyside in 2015. Similar to Iraola, it took the Liverpool side time to adjust to the tempo that comes with it. However, there were immediate signs of love from the fanbase. The never say die attitude helped them go on to achieve glory in Europe, which was translated into the Premier League.
Speaking with Redmen TV, Randolph discussed the style of play that Kopites may witness next season. He also claimed that he has a lot of faith in his tactical approach to make sure his squad give it their all.
“In possession, it’s high tempo. You might see people just running everywhere, and there’s lots of interchanging, but you’re still set up in a way that when you lose the ball, you’re ready to press, and you’ll press high. The press is very aggressive. He seems to be able to overwhelm teams and swamp teams.
“I think there was only one game I remember where he went away from his pressing. I think it was Man City. We lost the game, and he said to one of the assistants after, “Never ever let me do that again — I’m gonna stick to what I believe in.” Because once he went against his pressing.”
However, there could be one major stumbling block as the preseason is set to begin. However, the Irishman believes that it will work out due to his relationship with a key member at the club.
Much needed transfer window
There is no doubt that additions are needed in Iraola’s squad if he is to succeed. Liverpool went big last summer, signing both Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for over £100 million. Slot was unable to get the best from either, so there is hope the 43-year-old can achieve that. However, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson’s departure is a major concern.
When Slot arrived, the only first-team signing made was Federico Chiesa, who has had little impact at Anfield. That trend can’t follow suit, with key players gone and a small squad already to begin with. The finances may not be there, therefore, much work will be required from the higher ups.
Fortunately for Iraola, he has already spent time with the Reds’ sporting director, Richard Hughes. The Scotsman might be moving to Saudi Arabia later in the window, though he still had a major job to do in the North West. Randolph has high praise for the duo, and while it may take some time, it could be a great sight to see.
“Andoni working with Richard Hughes again, who’s a brilliant man, top, top man — them two working back together again at a club the size of Liverpool with the players at their disposal. Like I said, it may not — you’ll see an improvement in the first season — but wait till season two, three, and it could be unbelievable. You could have literally Klopp time back, with Iraola.”
Supporters had had enough of Slot by the Brentford meeting, though much of that was the boring style of play. Randolph believes that the new structure may see the more exciting style which fans are crying out for. It may be a process instead of immediate growth, though it seems Kopites are ready to back their new head coach.
