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, admitting he was "very lucky" to inherit a talented coaching team at Bournemouth. The new Liverpool manager brings a blend of trusted confidantes and Premier League experience to Anfield, aiming to transform a defensive weakness into a strength.

Iraola's Trusted Backroom Team at Liverpool

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

Iraola worked alongside De la Torre in his first coaching job at AEK Larnaca and again at Rayo Vallecano. "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."

How the Staff Will Fix Liverpool's Set-Piece Weaknesses

Liverpool have struggled with defending set pieces in recent seasons, often conceding from corners and free kicks. Iraola's backroom team brings a data-driven approach and tactical discipline. Tommy Elphick offers Premier League experience from Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Huddersfield, while Shaun Cooper provides insights into English football culture. Together, they will implement new defensive drills and zonal marking systems.

"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," Iraola added.

Comparison: Liverpool's Set-Piece Record vs. Premier League Top 4 (2023-24 Season)

Key Takeaways for Liverpool Fans

• New coaching staff includes Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, and Pablo de la Torre, all with Premier League or European experience.
• Focus on set-piece defense through tactical drills, zonal marking, and video analysis.
• Cultural adaptation from Spanish to English football is eased by Elphick and Cooper's local knowledge.
• Pre-season friendlies like the match against Sunderland in Nashville will test new strategies.

Iraola's Coaching Philosophy and Early Impact

Iraola emphasized the importance of trusted relationships in coaching. "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 [who was denied a work permit]. After, it worked out very well for him because now he is coaching Villarreal. Maybe we play him in the Champions League." This blend of loyalty and expertise is expected to accelerate Liverpool's tactical evolution.

The first test comes on Saturday in a pre-season friendly against Sunderland in Nashville. Fans will watch closely for early signs of improvement in defensive organization, especially from dead-ball situations.

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