Liverpool names Iraola as new head coach

Liverpool FC has named Andoni Iraola as the new head coach for the 2026-27 season. This announcement comes after Arne Slot left the club on Saturday.

The 43-year-old Spaniard takes over at Anfield after a successful time with AFC Bournemouth. He spent three seasons there and led the team to a historic sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season. This achievement marked Bournemouth's first time playing in European competitions.

After his appointment, Iraola shared his excitement about joining such a big club. “Really excited, really excited,” he told Liverpoolfc.com. “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. So, really excited to start.”

Iraola was born in the Basque region of northern Spain. He had a successful playing career, spending 12 seasons with Athletic Club. He made over 500 appearances, mostly as a right-back, and played for Spain seven times before finishing his playing days with New York City FC between 2015 and 2016.

He started his coaching career in 2018 as the manager of AEK Larnaca in Cyprus. There, he helped the club win the Cypriot Super Cup.

Later, he coached Spanish team Mirandes before moving to Rayo Vallecano in 2020. In his first season there, he brought the team back to La Liga, Spain’s top league.

His success in Spain led to his appointment at Bournemouth in 2023. Under his guidance, Bournemouth became one of the most exciting teams in the league. Last season, they secured a place in Europe after an impressive 18-match unbeaten run in the second half of the season.

Now, Iraola starts a new chapter with Liverpool. He will prepare the Reds for the upcoming season as they aim to win major trophies both at home and in Europe.