By Dan Clubbe

As Liverpool prepares for a new era following the departure of Arne Slot, one name that continues to generate intrigue among supporters is Andoni Iraola. The now former Bournemouth manager has earned widespread praise for his high-intensity, front-foot style of football, building on the reputation he first established in Spain with Rayo Vallecano.

Before making the move to the Premier League, Iraola transformed Rayo from a newly promoted side into one of La Liga’s most admired teams, combining tactical innovation with an uncompromising playing philosophy. His work not only elevated the club’s standing but also attracted attention from across Europe.

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To gain a deeper insight into the coach behind the growing reputation, Dan spoke to a journalist who covered Iraola’s spell at Rayo Vallecano.

In this exclusive interview, we discuss his tactical approach, leadership qualities, relationship with players and supporters, and whether he could one day be destined for one of football’s biggest jobs — including a potential move to Liverpool…

On his achievements at Rayo: “He did great here. He came from a smaller team than Rallo Vallecano, from the second division of Spain. He was unknown. We didn’t know about him. Rayo Vallecano was in the second division when he arrived here. We didn’t expect so much. We knew that he was good, but nothing more. But his performance was super good here in Rayo Vallecano.

“He achieved promotion to La Liga, the first division of Spain. We didn’t expect it. It was at the time of COVID. It was almost a miracle. He also did a good performance in La Liga. He was really close to playing in the Conference League or the Europa League. He was really close to his team in Rayo Vallecano.”

On his management style: “The way Rayo plays is more or less the same as the style in Bournemouth. He’s achieved a lot with a lot of pressure from the rivals. But I think he’s a friend of the team. He achieved something really good in a team. The players were like a family in Rayo Vallecano. He also did it in Bournemouth. I didn’t know much about Bournemouth, but I think he’s doing the same. They are not players. They are like a family, a group of friends playing together.”

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On what he wants from his teams: “Pressure. I need the ball. I’m going to the ball. The ball is going to be with me. I’m not going to wait in defence. I’m going to attack. I’m going to press, press, press all the time. I think this is the main capacity of Andoni Iraola’s style. I’m also playing with the wings of the team. I think this is the style. Playing long with the wings. Pressure, pressure, pressure all the time on the rival. We loved his style.

“I lived in Liverpool for three years. For me, it’s special that Iraola is going to Anfield. For me personally, it’s more special than any other team. I think we love the idea of him for Anfield, for Liverpool. It’s quite similar to Klopp’s style. It’s not the same. He needs to do many things to get to the level of Klopp. The idea of the football is good for Anfield. It’s good for Liverpool.  We loved it here in Madrid, in Vallecas. The fans of Rayo are very proud of the team. The team reflects that the people want to be in the grass.”

On Iraola the person: “I know him personally. He’s good. He’s a really good mate. I hope that in Liverpool, he achieves many things. I think he can do it.”

On the fit at LFC: “His way of thinking about players. He’s going to make everything involved in the project. So maybe…my impression is that he’s able to achieve things in Liverpool. I really think he’s going to match the atmosphere. With you, with the scouse, with the city. For me, it’s one of the friendliest cities in the UK. I think as soon as he touches the bottom of getting everything involved, you’re going to love him. He’s a loved guy. Maybe he needs a bit of time. It’s not going to be sudden. But I think you’re going to love him. I hope. I hope because he’s good. And I think he can connect with the Scouse people. And with all of you.”