Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is full of praise for new Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.

Hughes left Bournemouth for Liverpool this week.

Iraola said: “I've always said it, he was maybe the main reason, or definitely a big, important part of the decision to come here.

“He has been really helpful with me personally, with all the staff.

“I think he is very good at his job.

“He has set everything here – the scouting department, the management of the players individually when they come here.

“There is an adaptation process where he is really helpful with the players and me as a coach.

“I am really happy for him, because I suppose it is a very good chance for him.

“I obviously wish him all the best. I am sure he will also be doing a very good job there at Liverpool."

Iraola added: “It is probably a big change for him.

“But I think he has done really, really well here at Bournemouth.

“I hope he can continue doing the same things he is doing here, at Liverpool."

He also said: “He has more relationships in places he has been living or working or has more contacts. But it is the day-to-day work, talking about a lot of players.

“The good thing for us is Simon (Francis) continues.

“He has been working with him a lot. For sure he will want to change some details and some ideas, but he will benefit a lot from the work that everyone has been doing in the last years here."