Liverpool confirm Andoni Iraola appointment after Arne Slot sacking | OneFootball

Reds moved quickly to secure Spaniard’s services

Liverpool have announced the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new manager.

The Spaniard signs a contract at Anfield until 2028, replacing Arne Slot, who was sacked last weekend.

The former Athletic Bilbao right-back had managed the Dorset side for three seasons, joining them from Rayo Vallecano back in 2023.

Now, he will get to test himself at the highest level, as the Reds aim to improve upon an underwhelming title defence where they finished fifth in the Premier League table and were knocked out prematurely in every cup competition.

Iraola had had plenty of suitors when it was revealed that he would be leaving Bournemouth upon the expiration of his contract at the Vitality Stadium.

Standard Sport understands that he was one of two preferred candidates to replace Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, although the Blues moved for former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.

He was also reportedly in talks with Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Leverkusen themselves over their respective managerial vacancies.

“Really excited, really excited,” Iraola told club media upon his announcement.

“Because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world.

“But feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club, I always thought it’s a special club.

“You don’t need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.

“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. Really excited to start.”