Liverpool FC have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 43-year-old Spaniard has signed a two-year contract at Anfield, succeeding Arne Slot, who departed the club on Saturday following his dismissal just one year after leading Liverpool to the Premier League title.
Iraola arrives from AFC Bournemouth after overseeing one of the club’s most successful periods in the Premier League. During his three seasons in charge, he guided Bournemouth to a sixth-place finish last month, securing European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
Speaking after the announcement, Iraola expressed excitement about taking charge of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
“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 also acknowledged the expectations that come with managing Liverpool and said he is prepared for the challenge ahead.
“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,” he said.
“Obviously when you arrive at a place, you cannot promise everything. You cannot promise. But it’s true that I understand where I’m coming and what is expected.
“I’m ready for the challenge.”
Before his move to Merseyside, Iraola had also been linked with managerial vacancies at Crystal Palace FC and AC Milan after announcing in April that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.
