Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach on a two-year contract, just six days after sacking Arne Slot. The 43-year-old former Bournemouth manager was identified as the ideal candidate for the club's preferred playing style, amid interest from Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace.
Speaking to the club's media channel, Iraola said: 'At the beginning when you arrive at any club, I think you need to kind of prove a little bit yourself. You need to earn the right also to belong. I want to do this as quickly as possible so I can also celebrate with them and I can be part properly of those celebrations.' He added: 'For me, football is about emotions. About passion. I'm quite cool-headed probably, during my life quite rational, I would say. But it's true that when the game starts, when you have to celebrate a goal, something is inside, no?'
Iraola's appointment was led by sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously worked with him at Bournemouth. Formal talks with Iraola and his agent Iñaki Ibáñez advanced smoothly, with Iraola making clear from the outset that Liverpool were the only club he wanted to join after his Bournemouth contract expired. Liverpool did not approach former midfielder Xabi Alonso, who was appointed Chelsea manager on 17 May.
Iraola has signed a contract until the end of the 2027/28 season. He intends to bring his Bournemouth assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre to Anfield, though details are not yet finalised. Liverpool consider Iraola one of the best coaches available, attracted by his proven Premier League performance, his track record of improving players, and his personality and leadership skills.
