Iraola, who hails from the Basque Country in northern Spain, has already made a positive impression with his openness, humility and emotional understanding of football.
In his first interview with LFC TV, he spoke passionately about what the game means to supporters.
“Football, at the end, is about emotion,” he said.
“I understand it’s a privilege, but also a big responsibility, because all those people want to be represented properly and we are here for this.
“I would love from my side, from the player’s side, so all those people identify also with the football, identify with the values of the squad.”
Those words have resonated strongly with many Liverpool fans, who place enormous importance on identity, effort and emotional connection.
Early Song Ideas Begin to Circulate
Unsurprisingly, supporters have already begun experimenting with potential chants for their new head coach.
As has become tradition when excitement builds around a new arrival, fans have been trying to find a tune that suits Iraola’s name.
Some have experimented with The Kinks’ Lola, while others have proposed more creative alternatives.
However, the most popular early suggestion has come from singer-songwriter Kieo, whose proposed chant has already been viewed over 1.8 million times on X.
The idea uses Christy Moore’s Viva la Quinta Brigada as its foundation — a song with deep historical meaning.
Proposed Chorus:
VIVA ANDONI IRAOLA
Viva Andoni Iraola
No pasaran the pledge that makes us fight
Adelante is the cry amongst The Kopites
Let us sing for Liverpool tonight
Like Federico Chiesa’s song, which is based on the Italian anti-fascist anthem Bella Ciao, the Iraola chant carries a deeper cultural significance.
A Song With Meaning Behind It
Viva la Quinta Brigada tells the story of Irish volunteers who travelled to fight against Franco’s forces during the Spanish Civil War.
The Basque Country, where Iraola was raised, was heavily affected during that conflict, with its identity and culture targeted under Franco’s regime.
For many supporters, this adds an extra layer of meaning to the proposed chant, particularly given Liverpool’s own strong traditions, identity and working-class roots.
The sense of cultural pride and resistance reflected in the song’s origins is something many Kopites feel aligns naturally with the club’s values.
Understanding the City
Iraola’s connection to football culture has also been evident throughout his career.
Having made over 500 appearances for Athletic Club, he fully understands what it means for a city to live and breathe its football team.
Speaking about Liverpool, he has already acknowledged that passion:
“It’s a special club, not just because of the football side, but also because what people think about even during the week, how they are passionate about the club.”
That recognition of Liverpool’s unique footballing identity has only strengthened the early bond between manager and supporters.
A Relationship Waiting to Grow
Ultimately, Iraola has yet to fully begin his journey at Anfield, and any song or widespread support will depend entirely on results and performances on the pitch.
But the early signs are encouraging.
Supporters are already engaging with him emotionally, culturally, and creatively — something that often signals the beginning of a strong manager-fan relationship.
If results follow, it may not be long before Anfield is echoing with a new chant dedicated to its latest head coach.
Jamie (The Kopite View)

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