The decision by Liverpool to appoint Andoni Iraola caught several observers off guard, particularly since Xabi Alonso had been on the market for an extended period.
Selecting Alonso seemed like the most logical path. The ex-midfielder for the Reds was widely tipped to succeed Jurgen Klopp long before Arne Slot’s name was mentioned. Consequently, when the speculation linking Alonso to Anfield fell through at the conclusion of the previous campaign, many believed the club would commit to Slot. Meanwhile, Alonso ended up taking the reins at Chelsea.
This context made Iraola’s arrival particularly fascinating. Tactically, his style aligns seamlessly with the high-intensity pressing game that has characterized Liverpool’s identity for the past ten years. However, the deeper connections beyond the pitch remain largely unrecognized by many.
Iraola’s move wasn’t just to any elite side—Liverpool provides the shared values and philosophy he thrives in
The Basque native spent the vast majority of his playing days representing Athletic Club, followed by a brief stint in Major League Soccer with New York City FC, before transitioning to managerial duties.
During 2024, FourFourTwo spoke with Iraola regarding his professional transition from Bilbao to Bournemouth, exploring how his distinct career trajectory established him as one of football’s most promising young tacticians.
Athletic Club is renowned for its distinct philosophy, utilizing a “cantera” system that relies exclusively on homegrown talent from the Basque Country. Meanwhile, supporters at San Mames frequently voice their stances on global social and political matters. Irrespective of political leanings, being part of the Bilbao community means participating in a grander, shared heritage.
Rayo Vallecano—where Iraola coached prior to his move to Bournemouth—boasts strong working-class roots. Their key supporter group, Los Bukaneros, actively promotes anti-fascist, anti-racist, and labor-friendly ideals. A prime example occurred in 2014 when the club and its fans supported Carmen Martinez Ayudo, an 85-year-old resident facing eviction, displaying messages during the subsequent match that contrasted the failures of the state with the solidarity of their working-class community.
When FourFourTwo suggested to Iraola that a team’s core values are essential to his career choices, he nodded in approval. Though avoiding direct political terminology, he emphasized his preference for managing teams that represent strong, shared principles.
“As a player, I was essentially committed to a single club, spending 16 seasons with Athletic. For me, both at Athletic and Rayo Vallecano, a deep sense of community and belonging is vital,” Iraola explained.
“Ultimately, my message to the squad is to prioritize the collective, even though I recognize individual ambitions. When we operate as a cohesive unit, it elevates everyone: it makes me a more successful manager, improves individual performances, and benefits squad depth as the standard of the starting lineup rises. The collective must always take precedence, as the team is our top priority.
“This team-first approach has consistently been the standard at Bournemouth as well.”
The legendary Bill Shankly famously asserted, “The socialism I believe in is everybody working for each other and having a share in the rewards. That’s how I see football, that’s how I see life.” Significant political, social, and sporting shifts have occurred both in Liverpool and at Anfield since that statement was made.
Nonetheless, the unique ethos of Liverpool remains highly evident. The local sentiment of identity is so strong that concepts like “Scouse not English” have uniquely flourished there. Under Jurgen Klopp, the supporters embraced a collective spirit far more deeply than fans of other high-pressing tacticians elsewhere. Consequently, it is highly plausible that this distinct communal identity played a major role in drawing Iraola to Anfield.
