I want to give fans a team to be proud of - Iraola

Iraola signed a two-year deal with Liverpool last month [Getty Images] Andoni Iraola has said he wants to give Liverpool fans "a team that they can be proud of" and that he is ready for the responsibility of such a high-profile job. The 44-year-old signed a two-year deal with Liverpool last month after three successful seasons at Bournemouth. Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season, one place ahead of Bournemouth, and Arne Slot was sacked on 30 May. Supporters at Anfield bemoaned the team's lack of dynamism last season and the Spaniard acknowledged his side must first inspire the Anfield crowd in order to receive vociferous support back. "I think football and especially Liverpool is about connecting - connecting with the people, connecting with our supporters," he said at his first media conference since being appointed. "I've been on the other side at Anfield. I've experienced the goal that [Federico] Chiesa scored on the first day of last season [Liverpool's winner v Bournemouth]. "You can feel the stadium and I would love to have this every time we play - but that has to come from us, from inside the pitch. "We have to be a team that works hard - is intense, aggressive, and vertical - so everyone can identify and everyone can feel comfortable supporting this team." Iraola managed AEK Larnaca in Cyprus then Spanish clubs Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano before the Cherries, but believes he is prepared for the challenge of one of the world's biggest clubs. "I'm ready for it. I understand this is a massive club," he said. "Everything I say now is going get the biggest scrutiny. You have to be very aware of the mistakes but I wouldn't like to be too careful. I would like to act quite normal. "I'm not going live in my bubble - just at the training ground and home. I would like also to go to the city, experience the city. I know some places I would like to take some pictures of. "It's part of the magic of being the Liverpool manager and I would like not to change too much." Iraola on two-year Liverpool contract Iraola announced in April that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the season and then led the club to their first European qualification. He signed a two-year deal with Liverpool in June, a shorter contract than is usual in top-level football but is consistent with his managerial career. "In terms of coaching contracts - they don't matter a lot," said Iraola, who signed a two-year deal with Bournemouth before extending it in 2024 by a year. "I don't want to be in a place because I have a contract. I signed for two years but it's basically year to year when you are a coach. "I hope I'm going to stay here a lot more than two years, it will mean I have done a very good job. I feel managers have to earn the right to continue every year, especially in clubs like Liverpool. I've done it everywhere. I've done it always like this." Iraola says Liverpool's players will know what to expect from his tactics at Bournemouth [Getty Images] 'We need more players - we know this' Iraola said he had spoken to most of the Liverpool players already and had "very good conversations". The majority of Liverpool's first-team squad return to Merseyside on Tuesday, with Liverpool's World Cup contingent scheduled to return over the coming weeks. Only Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz, Iraola's first signing, are still at the tournament for Argentina and Spain respectively. "Obviously we've signed two players already [a deal for Jeremy Jacquet was agreed in January] but we need more players, we know this. The club is working on this," said Iraola. "Selfishly I want the players here from day one ready to train for pre-season but I understand football doesn't work like this. I know the club is working hard for those signings and I'm trying to help also." Liverpool are in the market for at least one more attacking signing and defensive reinforcements, while Iraola confirmed Harvey Elliott will be given a chance in pre-season. Liverpool travel to America next Monday before games against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United. Elliott, 23, played only 110 minutes for Aston Villa in the Premier League during a season-long loan, with Unai Emery saying the situation was "embarrassing for everyone involved". Villa had an obligation to make the deal permanent for £35m if Elliott played 10 league games, but he played only five. "Last season had to be difficult for Harvey. It was a strange situation, and I think he uses this experience - the bad situation - to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player," said Iraola. Analysis: Outside the AXA Training Centre on a sunny morning, a dozen or so photographers lined up to take pictures of Andoni Iraola before the Spaniard completed a couple of television interviews. Then it was time for the press conference. It was far from a full house inside the room and understandably so, given that we are in the middle of a World Cup, but it was certainly busier than usual and a world away from what Iraola would be used to at Bournemouth. Iraola impressed, speaking passionately about his readiness for the challenge and his eagerness to understand the city and this unique football club. There was a shyness about his manner and that, added his relatively quiet tone of voice, meant it was no blockbuster press conference, such as when Jurgen Klopp was unveiled. Iraola was reticent to open up when asked to describe his character and personality but did say that he would try to be as natural as possible. His ability as a coach is not in much doubt but whether he thrives as the figurehead for Liverpool remains to be seen. While he was introspective when asked about himself, his answers flowed when invited to discuss his teams' style and principles of play. His comfort in talking about "playing vertically and with a high press" is entirely in line with someone known to be at home on the training ground rather than in front of a microphone. The question is how quickly he can get translate his philosophy - based on high-intensity running - to a squad that struggled physically last season and requires the high-calibre additions. Latest Liverpool news, analysis and fan views Ask about Liverpool - what do you want to know?