Andoni Iraola confirmed as new Liverpool head coach | OneFootball

Rhys Webb, Senior football reporter | Sam Lowen, Senior football reporter

Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as the club’s new Head Coach, following the recent sacking of Arne Slot.

Iraola joins from Bournemouth, having secured European football for the Cherries after a stunning 18-game unbeaten streak at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. Bournemouth finished sixth in the Premier League, just one place and three points behind Slot’s struggling Liverpool.

In his first interview as Liverpool boss, Iraola admitted that “the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the chance for me to coach top-level players [and] the chance to fight for titles” drew him to Merseyside.

“I think it cannot be more attractive than this. It’s difficult to find it. So, really excited to start.”

But the 43-year-old, who hails from the Basque Country and spent most of his playing career at Athletic Club, warned that “obviously, when you arrive at a place, you cannot promise everything. You cannot promise, but it is true that I understand where I’m coming and what is expected.”

Fresh Start for Liverpool as Iraola replaces Slot

The new Liverpool manager arrives with plenty of excitement surrounding his appointment after an impressive spell at Bournemouth.

His style of play has been widely praised as one of the most entertaining in the Premier League, with the South Coast side producing some of the division’s most attractive football.

Liverpool supporters will be hoping for more of the same from their new boss, who takes charge at the start of a new era following Slot’s departure.

Iraola’s approach resembles Jurgen Klopp’s, and he could restore the high-tempo, aggressive football that many fans felt was missing at times under Slot last season.

While some argued that the title triumph in 2024/25 was built on foundations laid by Klopp, Slot still deserves significant credit for helping the club secure its 20th league championship.

With Iraola now confirmed after swift negotiations, attention can quickly turn to preparations for the summer transfer window.

Liverpool have already been linked with several players, making this a crucial period for the club as they look to strengthen following their £350 million spending last summer.

A number of those signings struggled to make the desired impact, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak among those who found their first season difficult.

However, Iraola’s arrival brings fresh optimism, with his preferred system appearing better suited to the strengths of the current squad.

It is a bold move by Liverpool’s owners to appoint Iraola, but it could ultimately prove to be one of the smartest decisions of the year.

One thing is certain: for the Reds, next season promises to be an exciting one.