Iraola urges Liverpool to put past friendships aside for Bournemouth return

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has called for a ruthless performance when he returns to Bournemouth with his new club on Sunday.

Iraola spent three successful years in charge of Bournemouth before leaving the south coast to take over at Anfield in the European summer. His first visit to the Vitality Stadium as Liverpool manager will bring him face to face with former players and staff with whom he remains close.

The Spaniard said he was looking forward to seeing his former colleagues, but stressed that their personal relationships would be put aside once the game started.

“On the personal side, I’m really looking forward to meeting and hugging them, players that I love, staff that I have worked with that I appreciate so much,” Iraola said.

“But there is another part that is the most important one right now. We need to go there and win and beat them and be as ruthless as possible. Leave all the talking for after the game.”

Iraola will also be seeking to prevent Liverpool from suffering the same fate as last season, when Bournemouth beat them 3-2 at the Vitality Stadium.

Liverpool have drawn three of their first four Premier League matches in an inconsistent start to their league campaign. Their victories in the Champions League and League Cup have preserved Iraola’s unbeaten record since taking charge, but a Premier League win at Bournemouth would give the club significant momentum.

Having managed Bournemouth, Iraola has detailed knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses. However, he accepts that the familiarity works both ways, with his former players also aware of his methods.

“I know where we are going and I know the stats they have there. When you see all the games they’ve lost in a long while, you realise how difficult it is to beat Bournemouth,” he said.

“I suppose I have the advantage that I know them very well. But they have the advantage that they know me very well.

“The main ideas and the philosophy, I was lucky also to talk to Marco Rose before leaving. It hasn’t changed too much. They continue to be very dangerous.”

Iraola also offered support to Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz, who has faced scrutiny for not deciding every match through goals or assists.

The manager said Wirtz’s influence should be assessed through his wider contribution to the team rather than only his attacking statistics.

“He should be judged like everybody. I always say, ‘How does the team play when you are on the pitch?’” Iraola said.

“I rate Florian very highly. He understands what we need from him and he is trying to help in every aspect of the game.

“Obviously, he will also want to add assists or goals, but he is helping us in a lot of different areas.”