Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new manager following the dismissal of Arne Slot after a disappointing Premier League title defence.
The Spanish coach quickly emerged as Liverpool’s leading candidate after Slot was sacked last Saturday, bringing an end to his two-year spell at Anfield.
Although the club did not disclose the length of Iraola’s contract, British media reports suggest the 43-year-old has signed a two-year deal.
Speaking after his appointment, Iraola described joining Liverpool as a dream opportunity and expressed excitement about leading one of the world’s most successful clubs.
“Really excited, really excited, because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world,” he said.
“But feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club, I always thought it was a special club.
“You don’t need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.”
He added that the club’s supporters, atmosphere, and ambition to compete for trophies made the role highly appealing.
“The chance for me to coach top-level players, the chance to fight for titles—I think it cannot be more attractive than this,” Iraola said.
Liverpool are expected to shift towards a more aggressive, high-intensity playing style under Iraola, a philosophy that aligns with the “heavy metal football” identity popularised during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.
The club endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign under Slot, failing to maintain consistency after winning the Premier League title in his debut season.
Despite a strong start, Liverpool’s form collapsed in the latter part of the season, ultimately finishing fifth and 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
The club also faced emotional challenges following the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident last July, alongside criticism over a £450 million transfer spending spree that failed to deliver expected results.
Slot’s relationship with key players, including Mohamed Salah, reportedly deteriorated, while fan frustration grew over inconsistent performances.
Iraola arrives at Anfield after an impressive spell at Bournemouth, where he guided the club to a sixth-place Premier League finish and qualification for European competition for the first time.
Since arriving from Rayo Vallecano in 2023, he steadily improved Bournemouth’s league position from 12th to ninth and then sixth, earning praise for his tactical approach and player development.
Known for his pressing style and attacking philosophy, Iraola previously managed Mirandés and AEK Larnaca before his move to England.
As a player, he made over 500 appearances for Athletic Bilbao and later played in Major League Soccer alongside stars such as Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo.
Liverpool fans will now look to Iraola to restore intensity, identity, and silverware ambitions at Anfield as the club begins a new managerial era.
