Liverpool’s players could be in for a serious shock if Andoni Iraola is handed the reins at Anfield — and Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo has a very clear idea of what lies ahead.
With Arne Slot now out of the picture and Iraola firmly in the frame for the 2026/27 job, Semenyo’s earlier remarks have taken on a whole new level of relevance — revealing a manager who leaves absolutely nothing on the table, day after day.
On the All Out Football podcast, the Ghanaian winger gave a frank account of the gruelling routine Iraola ran at Bournemouth. Training after matchdays was non-negotiable, rest days were virtually non-existent, and even players who had just come off the pitch were expected to push through exhausting sessions. “Oh dear,” was apparently a common reaction.
Even more telling is the fact that, as recently as April 2026, nothing has changed — with Bournemouth players reportedly still venting in their group chat about yet another week without a day off.
Liverpool endured heavy criticism last season for looking physically soft and lacking the pressing intensity that once defined the club. Under Slot, players enjoyed generous recovery schedules — something that would become a distant memory under Iraola’s watch.
Fan frustration over the team’s low intensity has only grown, making Iraola’s relentless approach feel like the antidote many have been craving. Yet there are legitimate concerns — push the squad too hard without proper management, and the treatment room could quickly fill up.
One thing seems certain: life at Anfield under Iraola will be a completely different world — and Semenyo’s message to Liverpool’s stars is plain and simple: get ready.
