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

Andoni Iraola has outlined the roles his backroom staff will play in trying to improve Liverpool’s set-piece record next season, admitting he was “very lucky” to inherit a talented coaching team at Bournemouth. The new Liverpool manager, who succeeded Arne Slot last month, brought several members of his Bournemouth backroom team with him to Anfield, including Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, and long-time colleague Pablo de la Torre.

Key Additions to Liverpool’s Coaching Staff

Tommy Elphick, a boyhood Liverpool fan, and Shaun Cooper have joined as first-team coaches. Meanwhile, Pablo de la Torre arrives as assistant coach, and Alejandro Rosalen takes over as first-team goalkeeping coach after five years with Napoli. Iraola emphasised the importance of having trusted confidants alongside him for his first season in charge.

“For me, it was important they came with me,” Iraola said. “Pablo is a physical coach but has been with me almost all the years I have been coaching. He is much more than a physical coach really. He is an assistant and we know each other very well.”

The Set-Piece Challenge at Liverpool

Liverpool have struggled with set-piece defending in recent seasons, a weakness that Iraola’s new team aims to address. The coaching staff bring a mix of tactical knowledge and English football experience, which Iraola believes will be crucial. “Tommy and Shaun were very prepared, very helpful in understanding the English culture, the mentality of the players, what they are used to, what they like in training,” he noted.

Why Iraola’s Trust in His Staff Matters

The manager’s loyalty to his backroom team is a hallmark of his career. He worked with De la Torre at AEK Larnaca and Rayo Vallecano, and the pair’s understanding is expected to streamline training and match preparation. Iraola also acknowledged the role Elphick and Cooper played after his previous assistant, Iñigo Pérez, was denied a work permit at Bournemouth. “We did not feel the need to bring in another assistant,” he said.

Key Takeaways

• Iraola brought four key staff members from Bournemouth to Liverpool.
• Tommy Elphick’s Premier League experience is vital for set-piece improvement.
• Pablo de la Torre serves as both physical coach and assistant, ensuring continuity.
• Alejandro Rosalen brings elite goalkeeping expertise from Napoli.
• The team aims to address Liverpool’s long-standing set-piece weaknesses.

FAQ

Andoni Iraola’s first game as Liverpool manager is a pre-season friendly against Sunderland in Nashville. The early signs suggest a well-drilled coaching unit ready to tackle the team’s most persistent issues. With a blend of trusted allies and new faces, Liverpool fans have reason to hope for improved defending on dead-ball situations.