Liverpool have announced the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their head coach on a two-year contract.
Iraola was formerly at Bournemouth before leaving the club at the end of last season after his contract expired, guiding them to the UEFA Europa League for the first time in the club’s history.
His Bournemouth side finished just three points behind Liverpool, who were formerly under the guise of Arne Slot before his dismissal last week.
Slot had taken over from Jurgen Klopp and had led the club to the Premier League title in his first season in charge after arriving from Feyenoord.
However, results took a downward spiral in his second season, with the Reds finishing in fifth position with 60 points, which was their lowest point tally in 10 years.
Speaking after his appointment, Iraola express delight after taking a massive step forward in his managerial career.
“Really excited, really excited”, Iraola said.
“Because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world.
“You don’t need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.”
Iraola will reunited with Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, with the pair also working together at Bournemouth.
It was Hughes who led to the appointment of Iraola at the Cherries, before leaving the club to join Liverpool.
“I think Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles. To win titles”, the Spaniard continued.
“Obviously when you arrive at a place, you cannot promise everything. You cannot promise. But it’s true that I understand where I’m coming and what is expected. Im ready for the challenge.”
Iraola will lead Liverpool to their preseason tour of the United States in July, in preparation for the 2026-27 season.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
