The 43-year-old Spaniard, who has reached a verbal agreement to succeed Arne Slot at Anfield, has consistently opted for shorter deals throughout a career that has taken him from AEK Larnaca in Cyprus to Mirandés and Rayo Vallecano in Spain and then Bournemouth in England. His rationale is built around accountability rather than financial security.
Speaking last October, before the Liverpool approach materialised, Iraola set out his position clearly.
"The only time I have signed for two years is at Bournemouth. I don't want to continue at a club just because I have a contract. I want to continue because both sides are happy and they want to continue together."
He went further, dismissing the idea that contract length provides meaningful protection for managers.
"I can have whatever contract I have, but if I don't get results then in three or four months I will be done, whether it's Bournemouth or any club. I try to focus on the short-term, do your job, get your results and then normally everything is fine."
Speaking separately to BBC Radio Solent, he elaborated on the underlying principle.
"To sign a contract just to have the assurance that if they sack you then you receive the money, I wouldn't feel really pleased with this. You have to earn the right every season. Every year has to be like a renewal of confidence from both sides. It doesn't matter about the contract situation."
He also placed the approach in cultural context, citing Ernesto Valverde and Marcelo Bielsa as coaches who operate on the same basis.
"It's the culture back home. It's not only Marcelo but also Valverde, who was my coach at Athletic Club — he does it the same way. It's not something I specifically do."
A formal announcement of Iraola's appointment is expected before the World Cup begins on June 11.