Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been officially appointed as Liverpool`s new head coach on a two-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.
The 43-year-old replaces Dutch manager Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to their 20th Premier League title in his first season before being dismissed following a disappointing second campaign at Anfield.
“You don’t need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool,” Iraola said in a statement.
“But obviously, the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the chance for me to coach top-level players, the chance to fight for titles. I think it cannot be more attractive than this. It’s difficult to find it. So, really excited to start.” Iraola added.
Iraola, a former Spanish international who made his name as a player at Athletic Bilbao from 2003 to 2015, took the Bournemouth job in 2023 and orchestrated a major transformation in the team`s performances.
During the 2024-25 campaign, Bournemouth won 56 points to secure a ninth-place finish, which equalled their highest-ever finish in the English top flight at that time.The Spanish manager improved upon that record this past season by pushing Bournemouth to a historic sixth-place finish, effectively securing a spot in the upcoming Europa League.
After his heroics with Bournemouth, Iraola will aim to replicate his success with Liverpool. The Reds will be playing Champions League football next season, which will make it easier to draw high-profile players to the club.
Arne Slot was sacked after a poor 25-26 season
Just one year after guiding Liverpool to their 20th Premier League title, Arne Slot was sacked following a disappointing 2025–26 campaign. Despite massive summer investments in high-profile talent, the Reds suffered 19 defeats across all competitions. Liverpool finished their season without a major trophy, having won the Premier League last season.
The team stumbled to a fifth-place finish, accumulating just 60 points, a massive 24-point drop from Slot`s successful debut season. The club`s hierarchy felt a tactical shift was necessary to restore a high-intensity, aggressive style of play, ultimately deciding to part ways with the 47-year-old Dutchman with immediate effect.
(With AP inputs)
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