Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool pre-season: staff revamp, set-piece overhaul and transfer priorities

Andoni Iraola arrived at Liverpool after Arne Slot’s departure and installed four members of his former Bournemouth team: first-team coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, assistant Pablo de la Torre and tactical analyst Tom Webber. The revamped staff traveled with the squad for a United-States pre-season tour that includes friendlies against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United. Iraola has identified improving Liverpool’s set-piece record and adding a winger to replace Mohamed Salah as immediate priorities.

Liverpool Echo

Liverpool finished the previous campaign in fifth place, conceding 23 set-piece goals – more than any club except Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. The season also saw the departures of Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima K-Konaté, leaving gaps in attack and defence. Heavy investment in Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz (£241 million combined) has yet to yield the expected return, heightening pressure on the new manager.

Liverpool Echo

Iraola described the backroom’s set-piece responsibilities: Elphick focuses on defensive routines, Cooper on offensive creativity, while set-piece analyst Lewis Mahoney continues work begun under the previous regime.

Liverpool Echo

• Set-piece goals conceded last season: Liverpool 23; Bournemouth 26; Crystal Palace 25; Leeds 24.

The Guardian

• Transfer outlay on Isak and Wirtz: £241 million combined.

Liverpool Echo

• Players absent from the early U.S. camp: Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker; others such as Wirtz, Isak and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to join later.

BBC News

• New signings confirmed: Jeremy Jacquet (defender) and Victor Munoz (midfielder). Potential targets include winger Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco) and forward Rayan (Bournemouth).

Liverpool Echo

Improving set-piece defending could reduce the 23 goals that contributed to Liverpool’s fifth-place finish, while a quality winger would address the void left by Salah’s exit. The backroom’s familiarity with Iraola’s high-pressing style may accelerate the transition from the Klopp era, influencing Liverpool’s competitiveness in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Liverpool Echo

• “For me, it was important they came with me,” — Andoni Iraola

The Guardian

• “I always consider the players the main part of this,” — Andoni Iraola

Liverpool Echo

• “A winger, for example - we definitely need to sign a winger,” — Andoni Iraola

Liverpool Echo

• May 19 2026 – Iraola and his coaching team photographed together during a Bournemouth-Manchester City match.

Liverpool Echo

• Early July – Liverpool begin their U.S. pre-season tour, with the first friendly against Sunderland in Nashville.

Andoni Iraola breaks down Liverpool backroom staff revamp

• Late August – The Premier League campaign kicks off, with Liverpool’s opening match away at Newcastle United.

Andoni Iraola breaks down Liverpool backroom staff revamp

Sources differ on the winger target: the Liverpool Echo cites Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco) while the Mirror highlights Rayan (Bournemouth). Neither club has confirmed a deal, leaving the final destination of the winger position uncertain.

Liverpool Echo