New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has been informed by the club's ownership that the team is not in a perfect state, and he recognizes the significant challenge ahead.
"When I came here, the owners told me everything is not perfect," Iraola said. "They said we would have some challenges, we would have to replace important players leaving, we have some injuries. But we are here to solve these kinds of problems and to try to maximize what we have."
The former Bournemouth boss was appointed to replace Arne Slot at the end of last season and is preparing for his first pre-season at Anfield. Iraola, 44, expressed that he has a lot to prove as he steps into a role at a club of Liverpool's stature.
"I feel like I have a lot of things to prove in terms of I've never coached a club as big as Liverpool," Iraola stated. "It's a big challenge for me. But there always has to be that first moment. My career has been (going) slowly, slowly, you know? Going to a better club, to a better club, then you get a promotion… La Liga, then Premier League, then you get to a better class. So, I've experienced this kind of change of goals or coaching in a bigger club."
He emphasized his immediate goal is to demonstrate his capability to manage Liverpool. "And this is the first month for me now. It's like, I need to prove myself, and get everyone to know that I belong here. That I have the level to stay here. That I have the level to coach Liverpool, and that's my challenge short term."
Iraola, who previously managed Rayo Vallecano and then Bournemouth, led the latter to European football, an achievement he described as fantastic given player departures over the past 18 months. He understands the work required to restore Liverpool to its previous success following a disappointing season that led to Slot's dismissal, compounded by the exit of key players like Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson.
Despite the challenges, Iraola remains optimistic about the current squad. "In my opinion, we have a very good squad," he said.
Liverpool is set to travel to the United States next Monday for a three-match pre-season tour. Several fringe players are eager to impress the new manager during this period. Harvey Elliott has returned to training alongside younger players, and Iraola has had initial discussions with midfielder Curtis Jones.
Jones has been the subject of transfer speculation, with Inter Milan reportedly having a bid rejected last month, and interest from Nottingham Forest. Liverpool reportedly values the player at £35 million.
Iraola spoke highly of Jones, stating, "I rate Curtis very highly. For me he is a great, great player and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing. It's very important that he's Scouse, that he's from here. I also like the personality. From the outside at least he looks like a player with good character and I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time."