Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach on a two-year contract. The 43-year-old Spaniard takes over just six days after the club parted ways with Arne Slot, moving quickly to secure their preferred candidate.
Liverpool identified Iraola as the ideal fit for their desired playing style and moved decisively to appoint him ahead of competition from other top clubs. Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace had all expressed interest in the former Bournemouth manager. While other coaches including Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness and Pierre Sage of Lens were considered, Iraola was Liverpool's favored option from the outset and the only candidate formally spoken to about the position.
Sporting director Richard Hughes led Liverpool's approach for Iraola, having previously worked with him at Bournemouth in 2023. Hughes and Michael Edwards, chief executive of football for Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group, conducted a review following the team's poor title defense under Slot. They concluded that a change was necessary to implement a more aggressive, attacking style of play.
Negotiations progressed smoothly after formal talks began earlier in the week. Iraola made clear from the beginning that Liverpool were his only target after his contract with Bournemouth expired. The straightforward process was aided by Hughes's close working relationship with Iraola's agent Iñaki Ibáñez, who also represents Xabi Alonso.
Speaking about his appointment, Iraola stated: "At the beginning when you arrive at any club, I think you need to kind of prove a little bit yourself. You need to earn the right also to belong. I want to do this as quickly as possible so I can also celebrate with them."
He added on his ambitions: "I think Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles. To win titles. 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."
Iraola has signed a contract that runs until the end of the 2027/28 season. The two-year length reflects his preferred approach to managing his career, following the pattern he established at both Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano.
The new manager intends to bring his backroom team from Bournemouth to Anfield, including assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre. Liverpool have not yet finalized all additions to their coaching staff.
Liverpool believe Iraola is one of the best coaches available and well-suited to evolving their team's style. His track record at Bournemouth of developing players and building an exciting, high-pressing team without significant financial resources particularly appealed to the club's leadership.