Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's new head coach, has outlined his philosophy of collectivism as the driving force behind the success of Basque and Spanish coaches, and how he plans to apply it at Anfield. Speaking during the club's pre-season tour in Chicago, Iraola emphasized that putting the team first is essential for success.
Collectivism as a core value
Iraola noted that Spanish and Basque coaches currently hold major trophies, including the Champions League, Premier League, and World Cup. He attributes this to a cultural emphasis on collective effort. 'Spain has never had the best athletes. In swimming, boxing, track and field, Spain don't normally win medals. But in collective sports they are very good,' he said. He cited Rodri as an example: 'He didn't score or make an assist but at the end they won the World Cup and he won best player of the tournament.'
Rejecting the protagonist role
When asked about a letter he sent to Liverpool in 2014 declining a transfer, Iraola declined to discuss it, saying: 'I don't know if I want to tell this story so early in my career here. I would like to win some games first.' He added: 'Don't become the protagonist.' This reflects his belief that the focus should be on the team, not the individual.
Addressing last season's lack of unity
Iraola acknowledged that Liverpool struggled with togetherness last season, with individual interests sometimes overriding team goals. 'I cannot change the personality of the players,' he said. 'But I think we need to think collectively in this game.' He stressed that players must support each other even when not playing, and that fans need to see effort and fight on the pitch.
Parallels between Athletic Club and Liverpool
Iraola sees similarities between his boyhood club Athletic Club and Liverpool, particularly in terms of belonging and connection with the academy. 'This sense of belonging, of being a little bit different. This connection, also, with players from the academy. The atmosphere of Anfield,' he said.
Pre-season preparations and fan reception
Iraola has been busy sorting housing and schools for his family, with little summer break. He described his departure from Bournemouth as 'very, very clean' and said the decision to join Liverpool was quick. Liverpool fans have already created a song for him, to the tune of Christy Moore's 'Viva la Quinta Brigada'. Iraola was surprised by the attention, noting that in Spain, managers typically leave the applause to players.
