Andoni Iraola Backs Staff to Cure Liverpool Set-Piece Issues 2026

Andoni Iraola has outlined the roles his backroom staff will play in trying to improve Liverpool's set-piece record next season and admitted he was 'very lucky' to inherit a talented coaching team at Bournemouth. The new Liverpool manager brings a trusted group of assistants to Anfield, aiming to cure the team's longstanding defensive frailties from dead-ball situations.

Iraola's Backroom Team: Key Additions

Iraola has brought several members of his Bournemouth backroom team with him to Liverpool since succeeding Arne Slot last month. Tommy Elphick, a boyhood Liverpool fan, and Shaun Cooper have joined as first-team coaches. Additionally, Iraola's long-time colleague Pablo de la Torre has arrived as assistant coach, while Alejandro Rosalen has taken over as first-team goalkeeping coach after five years with Napoli.

The Importance of Trusted Confidants

Iraola worked alongside De la Torre in his first coaching job at AEK Larnaca, and again at Rayo Vallecano. He emphasized that having trusted confidants alongside him would be invaluable for his first season in charge at Anfield. 'For me, it was important they came with me,' said Iraola. 'Pablo is a physical coach but has been with me almost all the years I have been coaching. So, for me, he is much more than a physical coach really. He is an assistant and we know each other very well.'

He also praised Elphick and Cooper for helping him adapt to English football culture. 'I was very lucky with Tommy and Shaun when I arrived at Bournemouth. Because I was unlucky to have the issue with my assistant coach Iñigo Pérez,' Iraola recalled. 'But when I had Tommy and Shaun there, we did not feel the need to bring in another assistant. They were very prepared, they were very helpful for me in terms of understanding the English culture, the mentality of the players, what they were used to, what they like in training, even the small details that maybe in Spain are different.'

Liverpool's Set-Piece Woes: A Statistical Comparison

Liverpool have struggled from set pieces in recent seasons. The table below compares their defensive set-piece record with top Premier League rivals:

This data highlights why Iraola's focus on set-piece improvement is critical. With Elphick's experience at Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Huddersfield, the new staff bring varied tactical insights.

Key Takeaways from Iraola's Press Conference

• Iraola emphasizes continuity with his Bournemouth backroom team for Liverpool's set-piece overhaul.
• Tommy Elphick's boyhood connection to Liverpool adds emotional investment to the coaching staff.
• Pablo de la Torre's long-term partnership with Iraola ensures seamless tactical implementation.
• Alejandro Rosalen's Napoli background brings top-level goalkeeping expertise to Anfield.
• The coaching team's understanding of English culture will help bridge the gap for Spanish methods.

FAQ

Andoni Iraola will take charge of his first Liverpool game on Saturday in a pre-season friendly against Sunderland in Nashville. Fans will be watching closely to see early signs of set-piece improvement under the new regime.