‘Be as Ruthless as Possible’ , Iraola Sets Liverpool Target at Bournemouth

There is an obvious sentimentality attached to Andoni Iraola walking back into the Vitality Stadium. For three years, Bournemouth was his club, his dressing room and, in many respects, the place where his reputation in English football was forged.

On Sunday, those relationships will temporarily become secondary. Iraola returns as Liverpool head coach, carrying responsibility for a side that needs Premier League points and facing opponents who possess an unusually detailed understanding of how he wants football to be played.

The emotional element is something Iraola has readily acknowledged.

"On the personal side, I'm really looking forward to meeting them, to hug them, it's players that I love, staff that I have been working with, that I appreciate so much," he said.

"I was pushing for them yesterday when they were playing their first European game and I wish them all the best.