Liverpool boss Iraola puts Bournemouth love affair on hold

AFP | London

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Andoni Iraola will put his love for Bournemouth on hold as the Liverpool manager eyes a "ruthless" victory over his former club this weekend.

Iraola left Bournemouth to take charge at Anfield in the close-season after a successful spell with the Cherries.

The 44-year-old's first return to the Vitality Stadium will be an emotional occasion as he reunites with the players and staff he grew close to during his time in the south of England.

Iraola knows he cannot afford to let sentiment get in the way of Liverpool's hunt for just their second Premier League win this season.

"I think in the personal side I'm really looking forward to meeting and hugging them, players that I love, staff that I have worked with that I appreciate so much," Iraola told reporters yesterday.

"I was pushing for them yesterday when they were playing their first European game. I wish them all the best. But there is another part that is the most important one right now.

"That we need to go there and win and beat them and be as ruthless as possible. And leave all the talking for after the game."

The Spaniard guided Bournemouth to a 3-2 victory against Liverpool when the sides met at the Vitality Stadium in January.

Iraola cannot afford for Liverpool to suffer the same fate this season.