Bournemouth midfielders Tyler Adams and David Brooks have both expressed strong confidence that their former manager Andoni Iraola will achieve great success at Liverpool. Iraola was appointed as the Reds' head coach on a two-year deal on Thursday, replacing the sacked Arne Slot at Anfield.
Adams Backs Iraola for Premier League Title
USA international Tyler Adams, a key player under Iraola at Bournemouth over the past two seasons, believes the Spanish tactician can lead Liverpool to the Premier League title. Speaking after the USA's 2-1 World Cup warm-up defeat to Germany in Chicago, Adams told talkSPORT: "Can they? Liverpool? Absolutely. Under how he plays the game, with the types of players that they have and the style that he's going to want to play, absolutely."
Iraola's tenure at Bournemouth saw the club achieve a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, securing Europa League qualification—just one place and three points behind Liverpool. Adams is convinced that Iraola's tactical approach will be a perfect fit for Liverpool's squad.
Brooks Always Knew Iraola Was Destined for the Top
David Brooks, who scored for Wales in a 2-1 defeat to Romania, echoed Adams' sentiments. He told the Press Association: "I feel like once he left Bournemouth after three really good seasons, we knew he was going to a top team. We didn't know who it was going to be or where it was going to be."
Brooks added: "I wish him all the success there. He's been good for me, my career and he's given Bournemouth European football. There's no animosity towards him or any of the staff that go with him. We wish him all the best, just not when we play him."
Scott Also Praises Iraola's Style
The comments from Adams and Brooks follow those of teammate Alex Scott, who last week told the Mirror: "What can Liverpool expect from Iraola? He is obviously a great manager, you see what we have done as a club at Bournemouth and how we have progressed over the three seasons he was with us."
Scott highlighted Iraola's aggressive pressing style, comparing it to early Jurgen Klopp teams: "I think the way we press out of possession is very aggressive, maybe similar to the early Jurgen Klopp teams Liverpool had, that fierce aggressiveness and pressing with the wingers. Liverpool fans should definitely be so excited, he has done a lot for me personally."
The 43-year-old Basque coach has attracted widespread praise for his work on the south coast, culminating in European qualification. His move to Liverpool is seen as a natural progression, with former players confident he can restore the Reds to title contention.
