- the 43-year-old expressed excitement about taking charge of one of football’s most historic clubs
- The new manager said he intends to maintain the key principles that have defined his teams in recent years
Liverpool have named former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as their new head coach following the departure of Arne Slot, the club confirmed on Thursday.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the Spaniard arrives at Anfield after an impressive three-year spell with Bournemouth, where he transformed the club into one of the Premier League’s most competitive sides and guided them to a sixth-place finish last season.
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Speaking after his appointment, the 43-year-old expressed excitement about taking charge of one of football’s most historic clubs.
“Liverpool is Liverpool,” Iraola said. “The club’s history, the supporters, the players and the opportunity to compete for major trophies make this a very special challenge. I’m delighted to be here and eager to begin.”
Reports indicate that Iraola has agreed to a two-year contract, consistent with his preference for shorter managerial deals throughout his coaching career.
His appointment follows Liverpool’s decision to part ways with Arne Slot, who spent two seasons at the helm.
Slot guided the Reds to the Premier League title in the 2024/25 campaign but was unable to build on that success the following season, with the club finishing fifth in the league.
Club insiders revealed that Iraola quickly emerged as Liverpool’s preferred candidate and was the only manager formally considered for the role.
The Merseyside club had reportedly tracked his progress for several years and previously viewed him as a potential long-term successor to former manager Jürgen Klopp.
Liverpool’s hierarchy is understood to have been impressed by Iraola’s ability to maximise limited resources at Bournemouth while developing an attractive, high-energy style of play.
The new manager said he intends to maintain the key principles that have defined his teams in recent years.
“I want my teams to play with intensity, organisation and aggression,” he said. “Of course, every squad is different and adjustments will be necessary, but those fundamentals are important to me and I believe they fit well with Liverpool’s identity.”
Before moving to England, Iraola began his coaching career with AEK Larnaca and later managed CD Mirandés and Rayo Vallecano in Spain.
His move to Liverpool was overseen by sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously worked with Iraola during their time together at Bournemouth.
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