Liverpool’s Iraola appoints Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper as set-piece coaches
Iraola’s Coaching Staff Decisions
Andoni Iraola, the new head coach for Liverpool, has confirmed that Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper will oversee the club’s set-pieces for the upcoming season. This decision comes after Liverpool operated without a dedicated set-piece coach since the departure of Aaron Briggs last December. Analyst Lewis Mahoney, who took on increased responsibility for routines in the latter half of the previous season, will collaborate closely with Elphick and Cooper.
Iraola clarified the specific roles, stating that Tommy Elphick will be primarily in charge of defensive set-plays, while Shaun Cooper will focus on offensive set-plays. He noted their effective collaboration with Lewis Mahoney, highlighting Mahoney’s strong performance in the second half of the last season. This strategic appointment aims to bolster Liverpool’s performance in a key area of the game.
The importance of set-piece effectiveness is underscored by Liverpool’s previous season statistics. The club conceded 23 Premier League goals from set-pieces, a figure surpassed only by Leeds United with 24, Crystal Palace with 25, and Bournemouth with 26. Offensively, Liverpool scored 19 league goals from set-pieces, with six other top-flight clubs achieving better results, including Bournemouth, who scored 20.
Continuity and Experience from Bournemouth
The inclusion of Elphick and Cooper, alongside assistant coach Pablo de la Torre, was a crucial factor for Iraola during his discussions with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes regarding his succession. De la Torre, a Spanish fitness coach, shares a long-standing professional relationship with Iraola, dating back to their time together at AEK Larnaca in Cyprus eight years ago. Their partnership continued at Rayo Vallecano in 2020, and De la Torre subsequently followed Iraola to Bournemouth in 2023.
Iraola emphasised the significance of his trusted staff joining him at Liverpool. He described Pablo de la Torre as more than just a physical coach, highlighting their extensive history and De la Torre’s deep understanding of his coaching philosophy. This long-term collaboration suggests a cohesive and familiar coaching environment for Iraola at his new club.
Both Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, former captains for Bournemouth, transitioned from academy coaching roles to the senior setup under manager Gary O’Neil in 2022. When Iraola took over at Bournemouth 12 months later, he retained their services. Iraola expressed his good fortune in working with them at Bournemouth, especially after an issue with his assistant Inigo Perez, who could not secure a work permit to remain in the UK.
Iraola noted that having Elphick and Cooper meant there was no need to seek another assistant. He praised their preparedness and their invaluable assistance in helping him understand English football culture, player mentality, and training preferences, which he noted can differ from those in Spain. He also highlighted their experience, with Tommy Elphick having played for clubs such as Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Huddersfield, allowing them to connect closely with the players.
Iraola concluded by affirming their quality as coaches, their similar understanding of the game, and the vital support they provide with set-pieces, which was the basis for his decision to continue working with them at Liverpool.
Player Impressions and Pre-Season Outlook
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez, who is entering his 12th season on Merseyside, shared his impressions of the new head coach and the team’s readiness for the upcoming season. He described Iraola as a “really nice guy” and commended his work at Bournemouth, noting how he improved their performance. Gomez stated that the returning players are “hungry” and “excited” to approach pre-season training under Iraola’s leadership.
The initial group of Liverpool players returned to the AXA Training Centre this week following their summer break. Gomez emphasised the critical role of pre-season in building a strong foundation for the entire campaign, describing it as a period to adapt and maintain health. He acknowledged that every pre-season is different, especially with a new manager, but expressed gratitude for his journey at the club, which has included both highs and lows.
Gomez also reflected on his growing role as a senior figure within the squad, particularly before the return of players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker. He enjoys this aspect of his career, having become more accustomed to it over the past couple of seasons. The mood at the training ground is reportedly high, a combination of the new head coach’s arrival and the players feeling refreshed after their break. The team’s ambition for the season is to have a good year, enjoy the process, and continuously improve, with a focus on learning and progressing.
Fans can watch all of Liverpool’s pre-season matches live on All Red Video this summer, with tickets also available for the Reds’ three USA pre-season games.
Source: nytimes.com
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
