Andoni Iraola has been appointed the new head coach of Liverpool, according to Liverpool FC. The 43-year-old’s arrival comes just six days after the sacking of Arne Slot, marking a swift change in leadership for the club.
What happened
Liverpool confirmed Andoni Iraola’s appointment on a two-year contract. The club sought to replace Slot rapidly after a disappointing season and identified Iraola as their preferred candidate. Despite interest from teams like AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool conducted talks exclusively with Iraola, who was the only coach approached about the vacancy.[3]
Speaking about his new role, Iraola expressed the need to earn the right to belong at the club. “I want to do this as quickly as possible so I can also celebrate with them,” he stated. He underscored the emotional aspects of football, saying, “For me, football is about emotions. About passion.”
Why it matters
This appointment is pivotal for Liverpool as the club aims to return to title contention after a lackluster season. With ambitions high and a storied history at stake, Iraola’s ability to implement a more aggressive style is crucial for the team’s success moving forward.
Background
On May 20, 2026, Liverpool parted ways with Arne Slot following a subpar title defense. A review conducted by sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive Michael Edwards indicated that a leadership change was necessary for revitalizing the team’s performance.[1]
What’s next
Iraola will begin preparations for the upcoming season immediately, with formal talks on staffing and strategy expected to continue this week. Liverpool is looking to finalize its new backroom team, including potential hires from Iraola’s previous staff at Bournemouth.
