Andoni Iraola has expressed his desire to provide Liverpool fans with a side they can rally behind while stressing his readiness to handle the demands of a high-profile role.

The 44-year-old agreed to a two-year contract with Liverpool last month following three productive campaigns at Bournemouth.

Liverpool ended the previous Premier League campaign in fifth place, one spot above Bournemouth, after Arne Slot was dismissed on 30 May.

Supporters at Anfield voiced frustration over the side's limited energy last term, and the Spaniard noted that his players must first energize the crowd to earn strong backing in return.

"I think football and especially Liverpool is about connection - linking with the people and linking with our fans," he remarked during his opening media briefing after taking the post.

"I have been on the opposite side at Anfield. I witnessed the goal that [Federico] Chiesa netted on the opening day of last season [Liverpool's winner v Bournemouth].

"You sense the atmosphere in the ground and I would like to experience that in every match - yet that must originate from us, from within the field.

"We must become a side that applies itself fully - one that is energetic, forceful, and direct - so that everyone can relate and feel at ease backing this group."

Iraola previously led AEK Larnaca in Cyprus along with Spanish outfits Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano ahead of his time at Bournemouth, yet he feels equipped for the task at one of the globe's leading clubs.

"I am prepared for this. I recognize this is a huge club," he stated.

"All I say now will face intense examination. You must stay mindful of errors but I would prefer not to be overly cautious. I aim to behave quite normally.

"I am not going to stay isolated - only at the training ground and residence. I would like to explore the city as well and take in its surroundings. I know some spots I would like to capture in photos.

"It forms part of the appeal of being Liverpool manager and I would like to keep things largely the same."

Iraola noted he had already held discussions with most of the Liverpool players and described them as "very positive exchanges."

The bulk of the senior squad returns to Merseyside on Tuesday, while Liverpool's World Cup players are due back over the next few weeks.

Only Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz, Iraola's initial acquisition, remain at the tournament with Argentina and Spain respectively.

"Clearly we have added two players already [a deal for Jeremy Jacquet was finalized in January] but we require further additions, we are aware of that. The club is addressing this," Iraola continued.

"Selfishly I want the players here from the start, prepared to begin pre-season training, but I accept football does not operate that way. I know the club is pursuing those signings and I am trying to assist too."

Liverpool are seeking at least one further forward and defensive options, while Iraola confirmed Harvey Elliott will receive opportunities during pre-season.

Liverpool head to America next Monday ahead of fixtures against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United.

Elliott, 23, appeared for just 110 minutes with Aston Villa in the Premier League on a season-long loan, with Unai Emery describing the arrangement as "embarrassing for everyone involved."

Villa were required to complete the transfer permanently for 35 million pounds if Elliott played in 10 league matches, but he featured in only five.

"Last season must have been tough for Harvey. It was an unusual position, and I think he will use this experience - the difficult period - to become even more determined to establish himself as a Liverpool player," said Iraola.

Aadam Patel, Liverpool reporter

Outside the AXA Training Centre on a bright morning, around a dozen photographers gathered to capture images of Andoni Iraola before the Spaniard completed several television interviews.

Then came the press conference. The room was not packed and that was understandable given the final week of the World Cup, yet it was livelier than normal and quite different from what Iraola would have encountered at Bournemouth.

Iraola made a strong impression, speaking with conviction about his readiness for the task and his wish to learn about the city and this distinctive football club.

There was a reserved quality to his style and that, combined with his relatively soft voice, meant it was not a dramatic press conference of the kind seen when Jurgen Klopp was introduced.

Iraola was hesitant to expand when asked to outline his character and personality but did indicate he would aim to remain as authentic as possible. His qualities as a coach are widely respected but whether he excels as the public face of Liverpool is still to be determined.

While he was reflective when discussing himself, his responses were more fluid when asked about his teams' approach and core values.

His ease in discussing "playing vertically and with a high press" fits with someone who prefers the training pitch over media duties.

The key question is how swiftly he can instill his approach - centered on intense running - into a group that lacked physical presence last season and needs new recruits.