The Liverpool manager spent three successful years at Bournemouth before leaving the south coast to take charge at Anfield in the European summer. His first return to the Vitality Stadium will see him face players and staff he remains close to.

Iraola admitted he was looking forward to seeing his former colleagues, but insisted that friendship would disappear once the match begins.

"On 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 said.

"But there is another part that is the most important one right now. We need to go there and win and beat them and be as ruthless as possible. Leave all the talking for after the game."

Iraola will also be determined to avoid a repeat of Bournemouth's 3-2 win over Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium last season.

Liverpool have made an inconsistent start to their Premier League campaign, drawing three of their opening four matches. Their victories in the Champions League and League Cup have kept Iraola's unbeaten start intact, but a league win at Bournemouth would provide a major boost.

The Spaniard knows Bournemouth's strengths and weaknesses after his time at the club, but accepts that his former players also understand his methods.

"I know where we are going and I know the stats they have there. When you see all the games they've lost in a long while, you realise how difficult it is to beat Bournemouth," he said.

"I suppose I have the advantage that I know them very well. But they have the advantage that they know me very well.

"The main ideas and the philosophy, I was lucky also to talk to Marco Rose before leaving. It hasn't changed too much. They continue to be very dangerous."

Iraola also defended Florian Wirtz after the Liverpool playmaker came under scrutiny for not producing match-winning moments in every game.

The manager said Wirtz must be judged on his overall contribution rather than simply his goals and assists.

"He should be judged like everybody. I always say, 'How does the team play when you are on the pitch?'" Iraola said.

"I rate Florian very highly. He understands what we need from him and he is trying to help in every aspect of the game.

"Obviously, he will also want to add assists or goals, but he is helping us in a lot of different areas."

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