Andoni Iraola shares plans in first press conference as Liverpool boss

[p]The Basque native, speaking to the media for the first time since taking over from Dutchman Arne Slot, said he wants his team to be defined by hard work and intensity.[/p][p]He also expects [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/liverpool/lId4TMwf/"]Liverpool[/a] to strengthen before the transfer window closes, saying they're "working hard" after the departure of several experienced players and injuries to others.[/p][p]Those absentees include [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ekitike-hugo/ltVXPlJU/"]Hugo Ekitike[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/bradley-conor/GM6fgd0p/"]Conor Bradley[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/leoni-giovanni/GdON0JjJ/"]Giovanni Leoni[/a], with Iraola confirming all three are expected to miss the start of the season.[/p][p][b]"There will be a period where we will be without them,"[/b] he said. [b]"We will have to try to find solutions."[/b][/p][embed guid="5d489121-aa38-4e74-8fee-7fd4bc911c7a" url="https://x.com/LFC/status/2076615677712957593?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/elliott-harvey/nBSzcorC/"]Harvey Elliott[/a], who spent last season on loan at [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/aston-villa/W00wmLO0/"]Aston Villa[/a], has reported back early. Iraola said the midfielder has presented an "eagerness to show himself".[/p][p][b]"He will have a chance during pre-season,"[/b] he said. [b]"I hope we can see him in a good place. Last season had to have been very difficult for him, as a strange situation meant they (Villa) couldn't let him play."[/b][/p][image alt="Elliott played just four league games for Villa" id="02a55133-9afb-429b-b653-7a3849d2fcf3" credit-line="CARL RECINE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP" guid="b6630976-27da-431a-8de8-9fea008bfb88" original-width="4081" original-height="2818" /][p]Iraola also said he has spoken with Liverpool players at the World Cup, explaining the staggered return of the World Cup contingent will allow him to "get more in touch with every player".[/p][p]On his own approach, the 44-year-old said he intends to remain as natural as possible.[/p][p][b]"I will try to be the same coach. You have to be yourself," [/b]he said. [b]"Especially with the players, I know we will have big personalities and big egos, but I will try not to change with them."[/b][/p][p]On Liverpool's demanding fixture schedule, he added: [b]"It is a big challenge for me. It will be a big change but a great opportunity."[/b][/p]