Andoni Iraola Appointed Liverpool Head Coach on Two-Year Contract
Liverpool FC officially appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach on a two-year deal until 2028, replacing the dismissed Arne Slot. The 43-year-old Spaniard joins from Bournemouth, where he led the club to a historic sixth-place Premier League finish and Europa League qualification. Iraola, who prioritized Liverpool over other clubs including Milan and Crystal Palace, credited sporting director Richard Hughes for facilitating the move. He is expected to bring several Bournemouth staff members to Anfield.
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Liverpool Dressing Room Reacts Positively to Andoni Iraola's Appointment
Andoni Iraola's appointment as Liverpool head coach has reportedly been well received by senior players, according to The Athletic. After a difficult end to Arne Slot's reign, the dressing room is said to feel excitement, positivity, and a sense of a clean slate. Iraola, 43, replaces Slot after three impressive years at Bournemouth, where he led the club to a sixth-place Premier League finish and their first-ever European qualification. The Spaniard is expected to bring key Bournemouth staff and implement a high-pressing, intense style of play. The positive player reaction is seen as an important early win for the club, giving Iraola a strong platform to build on as he takes over a squad that retains quality but needs renewed direction and energy.
CaughtOffsideAndoni Iraola Praises Arne Slot and Vows to Treat All Liverpool Players as New Signings
Andoni Iraola has succeeded Arne Slot as Liverpool manager after Slot was sacked following a disappointing fifth-place Premier League finish. Iraola paid tribute to Slot for securing Champions League qualification despite the turbulent season. The former Bournemouth boss signed a two-year contract and expressed excitement about competing in the Champions League as a coach for the first time. Iraola stated he views all current Liverpool players as 'new signings' and is eager to work with them, particularly former Bournemouth player Milos Kerkez. He acknowledged there is still work to do with the squad but emphasized valuing the existing talent.
Mirror - FootballHow Liverpool Hired Andoni Iraola: The Inside Story of a Momentous Week
The article details the swift process by which Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach following the sacking of Arne Slot. Iraola, who had announced his departure from Bournemouth, was the only candidate approached. The process involved a private flight from San Sebastian to Liverpool, meetings with sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG CEO Michael Edwards, and a contract signing. Iraola conducted his first interview and toured Anfield before returning to Spain. The article explains why Liverpool were convinced he was the right man, citing his successful tenure at Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano, and notes that he had also been in talks with Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace, and Milan before choosing Liverpool.
Soccer - The AthleticHow Liverpool Hired Andoni Iraola: The Inside Story of a Momentous Week
The article details the swift process by which Liverpool FC appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach following the sacking of Arne Slot. Iraola, who had just finished a successful three-year stint at Bournemouth, was the only candidate Liverpool approached. The process began with a private flight from San Sebastian to Liverpool, where he was greeted by sporting director Richard Hughes and other executives. Iraola signed a two-year contract, conducted his first interview, and toured the club's facilities before returning to Spain. The article explains that Liverpool's interest was driven by Hughes' long-standing admiration for Iraola's work at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, and that Iraola had also been in talks with Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace, and AC Milan before choosing Liverpool.
Soccer - The AthleticHow Liverpool Hired Andoni Iraola: The Inside Story of a Momentous Week
The article details the swift process by which Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach following the sacking of Arne Slot. Iraola, who had just left Bournemouth after a successful three-year spell, was the only candidate approached. The process began with a private flight from San Sebastian to Liverpool, where he was greeted by sporting director Richard Hughes and other executives. After signing a two-year contract, Iraola toured the Kirkby training complex and Anfield before returning to Spain. The article explains that Hughes had long admired Iraola's work at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, and that Iraola had also been in talks with Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace, and Milan before choosing Liverpool. Liverpool believes Iraola is the right man to revive the club's fortunes after a dire season.
Soccer - The AthleticIraola Credits Richard Hughes for Role in Accepting Liverpool Job
Andoni Iraola has been confirmed as Liverpool's new head coach on a two-year deal, following the dismissal of Arne Slot. In his first comments, Iraola emphasized that the Liverpool job was too big to turn down, citing the pull of Anfield, the quality of the squad, and his existing relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes, with whom he worked at Bournemouth. Iraola stated he identifies with the football and values of the squad and is ready for the challenge of fighting for titles. He previously guided Bournemouth to a sixth-place finish and Europa League qualification in the 2025/26 season. The appointment was reportedly accelerated due to the Hughes connection, and Iraola is expected to bring some of his Bournemouth staff to Anfield.
CaughtOffsideOfficial: Andoni Iraola Appointed New Liverpool Coach
Liverpool FC has officially announced the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, succeeding the dismissed Arne Slot. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Anfield club, which has opted for the former Bournemouth manager to restore hope among fans. Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp in 2024 and won the Premier League in his first season, failed to secure any titles in his second year, leading to his dismissal. Iraola, who left Bournemouth at the end of the season, has signed a contract until 2028. He previously coached AEK Larnaca, Mirandés, and Rayo Vallecano before joining Bournemouth in 2023, where he qualified the team for the Europa League for the first time. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously worked with Iraola at Bournemouth, facilitated the signing. Other clubs interested in Iraola included Milan, Crystal Palace, and Bayer Leverkusen.
FútbolAndoni Iraola Appointed New Liverpool Manager After Arne Slot Departure
On June 4, 2026, Liverpool FC officially announced the appointment of Andoni Iraola as the club's new head coach, succeeding Arne Slot who left after a disappointing 2025-2026 season. The 43-year-old Spanish manager joins from Bournemouth, where he led the club to a historic sixth-place Premier League finish and Europa League qualification. Liverpool finished fifth in the league this season, narrowly qualifying for the Champions League but failing to meet expectations after winning the Premier League the previous year. Iraola is tasked with revitalizing the squad amid a transition period that will see key players like Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson depart. The club confirmed the deal ahead of the 2026-27 season, highlighting Iraola's attacking style, tactical flexibility, and youth development record.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertLiverpool appoint Andoni Iraola as new head coach on two-year deal
Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach on a two-year contract, replacing Arne Slot who was sacked a year after winning the Premier League title. The 43-year-old Spaniard joins from Bournemouth, where he led the Cherries to their best-ever top-flight finish of sixth place and Europa League qualification. Iraola had announced his departure from Bournemouth in April and was linked with Crystal Palace and AC Milan before moving to Merseyside. Liverpool finished the season with 60 points, their lowest since 2015-16, and 25 points behind champions Arsenal, but still qualified for the Champions League. Iraola expressed excitement about coaching top players and competing for titles, acknowledging the high expectations at the club.
BBC SportAndoni Iraola in Liverpool to Finalize Two-Year Contract as New Coach
Andoni Iraola is in Liverpool finalizing his appointment as the new head coach of Liverpool FC, with an imminent announcement expected. The Basque coach, previously at Bournemouth, has agreed to a two-year contract until 2028. He was spotted leaving Liverpool's training center alongside sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously signed him for Bournemouth. Liverpool is also negotiating with Bournemouth to bring in members of Iraola's coaching staff, including Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber, and physical trainer Pablo de la Torre. Iraola prioritized Liverpool over other interested clubs including Milan, Crystal Palace, and Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen has since appointed Carles Martínez Novell, while Crystal Palace is close to hiring Pierre Sage.
FútbolAndoni Iraola to Replace Arne Slot as Liverpool Head Coach, Bringing Heavy-Metal Football Back
The Guardian's Football Daily reports that Andoni Iraola has verbally agreed to become Liverpool's next head coach, replacing Arne Slot. Iraola, known for his high-intensity style at Bournemouth, is expected to restore the 'heavy-metal' attacking football associated with Jürgen Klopp, contrasting with Slot's possession-based approach. Mohamed Salah publicly called for a return to this identity after Liverpool's defeat to Aston Villa. The article also covers a broader managerial merry-go-round, including Marco Silva expected to replace José Mourinho at Benfica, and Salford City firing Karl Robinson after losing the League Two playoff final. Additionally, England's Kobbie Mainoo expressed confidence in winning the upcoming Geopolitics World Cup.
Football | The Guardian