Iraola says record vs Arsenal won't help Liverpool at Anfield
Andoni Iraola has a habit of getting the better of Arsenal, but the new Liverpool boss insists that record counts for nothing as he prepares to face the Gunners for the first time since taking over at Anfield.
The Basque coach faced Arsenal six times in his previous role as Bournemouth manager, winning three and losing three. He masterminded the Cherries' shock 2-1 win at the Emirates in April, a result which briefly cast doubt on Mikel Arteta's title hopes, and also pulled off a league double over Arsenal in the 2024/25 season.
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Iraola gets another crack at Arsenal on Sunday when they visit Anfield, but he was quick to play down any suggestion that his past success will simply carry over into his new job. “It is a totally different team and moment,” he said on Friday, as quoted by the Evening Standard. “We can't use the same things we used with Bournemouth here.”
Liverpool's revival under Iraola
What is not in doubt is the impact Iraola has had since arriving at Liverpool. His tenure so far has brought a five match winning run, restoring an Anfield atmosphere that had dipped in the latter days of Arne Slot's time at the club.
Iraola credited the performances rather than just the results for the shift in mood. “At Anfield, everyone feels when the team are going for it and trying their best,” he said. “Even when we lost, they have been there and helped us massively. We can create a special atmosphere.”
The latest chapter of that run came in midweek, as Liverpool knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup on penalties. The tie finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Chelsea's equaliser coming from the penalty spot following a clumsy challenge from Ryan Gravenberch on Moises Caicedo.
Gravenberch backed despite inconsistent form
Iraola was asked about Gravenberch's dip in form but dismissed any concern over the midfielder. “He has had better games and worse games,” he said. “We trust him and we know what he can produce. Like other players, when he doesn't play well, we try to help him improve. He is in a good place.”
Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday looking to avoid becoming Iraola's latest scalp, this time in opposition colours. With Liverpool riding a run of five straight wins and the home crowd fully behind them again, Arteta's side will face a markedly different test to the one Iraola's Bournemouth side posed last season.
