The 43-year-old is eager to “coach top players” and “fight for titles” after signing two-year contract
Liverpool have confirmed appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach on a contract running until 2028.
The former Bournemouth manager has been hired less than a week after Liverpool dismissed Arne Slot following a disappointing Premier League title defence.
Iraola was identified as Liverpool’s preferred candidate throughout the recruitment process and was the only coach formally interviewed for the role. Sporting director Richard Hughes, who brought Iraola to Bournemouth in 2023, led the search alongside Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, Michael Edwards, after an internal review concluded a change was needed at Anfield.
Liverpool faced competition from Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace for Iraola’s signature but were helped by the Spaniard’s determination to move to Merseyside once his Bournemouth contract expired. Formal negotiations progressed quickly and he arrived on Thursday to complete the move.
Iraola succeeds Slot after the Dutchman’s two-year spell ended with Liverpool finishing fifth, a year after winning the Premier League title. Club officials believe the 43-year-old is ideally suited to develop a more aggressive, high-pressing style and were encouraged by the work he carried out at Bournemouth, where he transformed the south-coast club into one of the division’s most dynamic teams despite operating with more limited resources than many rivals.
Liverpool have also been impressed by Iraola’s reputation for improving players individually and collectively, particularly in attacking areas, as well as his leadership qualities and experience in the Premier League.
The Spaniard began his coaching career at AEK Larnaca before spells with Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano earned him a move to Bournemouth in 2023. Under his guidance, Bournemouth secured a sixth-place finish last season and qualified for Europe.
The new manager said he was eager to embrace the expectations that come with managing one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles, to win titles,” Iraola said.
“Obviously when you arrive at a place, you cannot promise everything. But it’s true that I understand where I’m coming and what is expected. I’m ready for the challenge.”
