Liverpool Football Club has officially appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach.
The 43-year-old Spaniard has signed a two-year contract and will take charge at Anfield ahead of the 2026-27 season, succeeding Arne Slot who departed the club earlier this week following a disappointing campaign that ended in a fifth-place Premier League finish.
Iraola arrives with an impressive reputation after transforming Bournemouth into a competitive Premier League side capable of securing European qualification during his time at the south coast club. Known for his high-energy, attacking style that blends direct play with tactical bravery, he is seen as an exciting fit for Liverpool’s ambitious squad. The former Athletic Bilbao defender previously managed Rayo Vallecano and AEK Larnaca, building a track record of improving teams and developing players.
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, who worked closely with Iraola at Bournemouth, played a key role in identifying and securing the coach. Iraola flew into Merseyside on Thursday to finalise the deal and has already expressed his excitement about the challenge. In his first statements, he described Liverpool as a “special club” and emphasised his desire to connect with the players, staff, and passionate supporters while fighting for major trophies.
This appointment marks a fresh chapter for the Reds as they look to return to title contention after Slot’s tenure, which began with a Premier League triumph but ended prematurely. Fans and pundits will now watch closely to see how Iraola integrates his methods with Liverpool’s world-class squad and iconic Anfield atmosphere.
