LIVERPOOL, June 26, Andoni Iraola has been told he must “understand the difference” between Liverpool and Bournemouth as the Spaniard prepares for his first season in charge at Anfield, with former Reds midfielder Charlie Adam warning that four more signings may be required .
Iraola was appointed earlier this month after Arne Slot was dismissed following a campaign in which the defending Premier League champions lost 20 matches. The 43 year old arrives having spent three years at Bournemouth, leading the Cherries to European qualification for the first time in their history last season .
“At the end of the season I was surprised when I saw Slot getting sacked. But when you dive into why, Liverpool lost 20 games last year. So then I’m not surprised,” Adam told Freebets.com .
“Iraola impressed me a lot at Bournemouth, the high press, high intensity, incredible sprint distances. He’s maximised every single player there. He’s got good Premier League experience, which is key. But he’s got to understand the difference, at Liverpool, if you draw a game at home, it’s tough. I think it’s a good appointment.”
The Spaniard has already made his first addition, with Spain international winger Victor Munoz agreeing a deal after the Reds triggered his £34.5 million release clause at Osasuna . However, Adam believes that alone will not compensate for the departure of Mohamed Salah, who left Anfield this summer after eight trophy laden years .
“You’re probably not going to be able to expect Munoz to replace Mo Salah,” Adam said. “Salah’s incredible numbers, that’s just top level. I still think they need three or four players. It’s going to be a very different Liverpool next year, there’s going to be a lot of changes.”
A summer of transition
Liverpool’s squad is undergoing significant transformation. Alongside Salah’s departure, Virgil van Dijk has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while the futures of Trent Alexander Arnold and Luis Díaz remain uncertain . The club have been active in the market, with Yoram Zague, Victor Munoz, and Yorbe Vertessen all arriving, while Joshua Kimmich and Toby Collyer have been linked .
Iraola’s appointment represents a gamble, but it is one grounded in logic. The Basque coach transformed Bournemouth’s fortunes with an intense, high pressing style that maximised the output of every player in his squad . His ability to compete against the Premier League’s elite was underlined by a dramatic 4-3 victory over Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium in December 2024, a result that played a significant role in Slot’s eventual downfall .
But the demands at Anfield are different. The weight of expectation, the relentlessness of the title race, and the unforgiving nature of the home crowd are pressures Iraola has not yet experienced. Adam’s warning is clear: the principles that worked on the south coast must now be applied to a club where drawing at home is, in his words, “tough”.
United approach for Kelleher
Complicating Liverpool’s summer further is interest in their goalkeeping department. Manchester United have approached Liverpool about a potential deal for Caoimhín Kelleher, with Erik ten Hag identifying the Irishman as a key target . Liverpool are reluctant to sell, but the prospect of a £35 million offer could test their resolve .
With Iraola’s pre season preparations beginning in July, the Spaniard must navigate a summer of upheaval while shaping a squad capable of challenging for honours. Adam’s assessment that “change might be good for all these clubs” carries a hint of caution for Liverpool, the transition must be managed carefully if they are to avoid the turbulence that has engulfed their rivals .
