As Liverpool move into a new era under Andoni Iraola, attention is already turning towards the coaching staff that will help shape the club’s future.
Reports suggest Tommy Elphick and Pablo de la Torre are expected to become the first additions to Iraola’s Liverpool coaching team after both left Bournemouth alongside the Spaniard.
The appointments would represent the first major step in establishing the culture, identity and working environment that Iraola wants to create at Anfield.
Whenever a new manager arrives, supporters naturally focus on transfers.
But coaching appointments can be just as important.
The most successful managers rarely work alone.
They rely on trusted staff who understand their philosophy, training methods and tactical approach.
That is exactly why Elphick and De la Torre could prove significant additions.
Tommy Elphick will already be a familiar name to many football supporters.
The former Bournemouth captain was one of the key figures during the club’s rise through the divisions and remains hugely respected within the game.
Since moving into coaching, he has worked closely alongside Iraola and has played an important role behind the scenes.
His leadership qualities and understanding of dressing room dynamics could make him a valuable presence at Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Pablo de la Torre has become one of Iraola’s most trusted tactical allies.
The pair have worked together extensively and share a deep understanding of the football principles that have made Bournemouth one of the Premier League’s most energetic and difficult teams to face.
If Liverpool supporters are hoping for a return to aggressive pressing, intensity and front-foot football, De la Torre is likely to play a major role in delivering that vision on the training ground.
One of the reasons Liverpool reportedly targeted Iraola was his clear football identity.
His teams are organised.
Aggressive.
Hard-working.
And relentlessly committed to pressing from the front.
Maintaining those standards requires coaches who fully understand the system.
Bringing trusted staff from Bournemouth therefore makes complete sense.
The appointments could also provide continuity for Iraola during what will inevitably be a demanding transition period.
Moving from Bournemouth to Liverpool represents a huge step up in terms of expectation and scrutiny.
Having familiar faces around him may help the new head coach settle more quickly into life at Anfield.
Of course, these may only be the first additions.
Further appointments are expected as Liverpool continue reshaping the football department following Arne Slot’s departure.
But if Elphick and De la Torre do arrive, they will immediately become important figures in one of the most significant rebuilds Liverpool have undertaken in recent years.
The focus for supporters will naturally remain on new signings and transfer targets.
Yet the foundations of Liverpool’s next chapter may actually be taking shape behind the scenes first.
And if Iraola is to succeed at Anfield, the team he builds around himself could prove every bit as important as the players he has available on the pitch.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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