NewsAndoni Iraola: I've told the players they have to do everything fans would
“The fans have to feel they would do the same,” has been Andoni Iraola’s demand for the desire, energy and commitment to be shown by Liverpool players on the pitch.
The head coach will oversee his first Anfield fixture in charge of the Reds when Nottingham Forest visit in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.
Iraola’s side are seeking a winning start to their 2026-27 home matches and to gain their first three points of the campaign having drawn 2-2 away at Newcastle United on the opening weekend.
The boss previewed the clash against Forest in a pre-match interview for TNT Sports with legendary former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard asked Iraola how he would like supporters to feel as they leave Anfield after watching his team perform.
“One of our goals is to get this connection with the fans,” he replied.
“I always tell the players, ‘The fans have to feel that if they were in your position, they would do exactly the same as you are doing.’
“The fans probably cannot put a free-kick into the top corner. But they are thinking, ‘If I was there, I will give everything – I will follow every ball, I will attack the spaces, I will press, I will head the ball, I will win the second [balls].’
“We have to do all those basics well. When the fans feel this and they are trying and they are giving everything, it keeps the team closer to the fans.
“When you create this connection, we are going to be much, much better. We have to do our part – because I’m sure if we do our part, the other side will be there.”