Photo via BBC Sport

How Iraola is moving Liverpool on from the Slot era

Andoni Iraola returns to his former club Bournemouth this weekend with an undefeated Liverpool team, having taken over from Arne Slot following a three-year tenure on the south coast. Though the 44-year-old manager finds his side six points behind the tally managed at the same five-game mark a year ago, the atmosphere around the squad has noticeably reset.

Now residing in Formby—a locale previously chosen by Jurgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers—the cycling enthusiast has embraced a hands-on approach at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby, where attacker Lewis Koumas highlighted the relentless intensity and absence of easy days.

Rather than isolating himself in his personal office, Iraola works closely alongside staff members Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, and longtime fitness collaborator Pablo de la Torre. To navigate a taxing fixture list of at least 49 matches that could easily exceed 60, the coaching group actively collaborates with Liverpool's medical department to modify preparation.

Meanwhile, Iraola faces a unique homecoming when stepping into Bournemouth's upgraded away dressing room, recently refurbished to meet Europa League requirements.