1)Make Liverpool the fittest team in the country again
Liverpool ran, pressed and fought like warriors at their best under Jurgen Klopp. No team could live with his Reds at their peak, especially at Anfield. That style was based on extreme fitness and teamwork.
But Arne Slot gradually instilled a more controlled, passive style that eventually bored supporters. In almost every game last season, Liverpool were outrun by their opponents. This needs to change – and thankfully Andoni Iraola already prefers an extremely physical tactical set-up, unlike Slot.
2) Create a supply line for Alexander Isak
The most expensive footballer in Premier League history endured a dreadful debut season for Liverpool. Yes, he was injured and unfit for most of it, but when he was on the field, he looked like a shadow of his former self. It was worryingly bad.
Part of the problem was that he didn’t link up with his team-mates. Mohamed Salah liked to cut in on his left instead of getting to the byeline, and Cody Gakpo did the same on the other wing. Florian Wirtz also never got close enough to Isak to play the intricate through-balls the Swede thrives on.
Iraola needs to get his attacking players working for Isak’s benefit.
3) Establish an emotional connection with the fans
Maybe the biggest one.
Slot was cold, unemotional and complained far too much in news conferences when things weren’t going right. He rarely took the blame too, instead citing injuries and suggesting performances were not as bad as they seemed.
As a result, he was accused of gaslighting Liverpool fans.
Iraola needs to learn lessons from Klopp, not his Dutch predecessor. From his first news conference, Klopp promised to turn fans from doubters into believers. With the crowd booing the end of Slot’s reign, Iraola will need to do the same.
Fast, exciting football – and some passion when speaking about his team to the media – should help.
What do you think are the key priorities for the new Reds boss?
Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop
