Andoni Iraola has been officially announced as Liverpool's new permanent head coach, marking a significant chapter in the club's history. The 43-year-old Spaniard will be making his mark on Merseyside after a whirlwind week that began with his first visit to the city. He landed at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Thursday and subsequently signed a two-year contract with the Reds.
Who is Andoni Iraola's Wife?
Iraola is married to his long-term partner, Itziar, though the football manager tends to keep his private life relatively under wraps. The couple share a daughter and a son, and they have often been spotted showing their support for Iraola on match days. The family made the move to the UK when Iraola joined Bournemouth in 2023.
Family Life and Priorities
Iraola has previously told BBC Sport that family is "very important to him." It seems likely the family-of-four will relocate to the North West to support his new role at Anfield. This approach differs from his predecessor Arne Slot, whose family remained in the Netherlands during his time in Liverpool.
Speaking about the importance of his family, Iraola said: "My family is very important. They are sacrificing a lot. I am going from country to country to the best clubs I have the opportunity to go, and they have to come with me. I am very clear I couldn't do this without them. If they tell me one day 'I want to go back home', I am leaving. We will go back home."
He added: "I know there will be a moment in my career when I will have to not be the protagonist, when my kids are older and I won't be the boss any more. I will be happy and we will go back home and I will be the supporting team behind. I know this moment will arrive."
Iraola's Background and Career
The Basque coach's three outstanding seasons at Bournemouth have positioned him well to take the reins at Anfield. He follows Arne Slot, who was sacked from the position after two seasons earlier this month. Iraola, born in Usurbil in northern Spain, was a right-back as a player and spent the majority of his career at Athletic Bilbao. As a youth, he played in the same team in San Sebastian as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and new Chelsea manager and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
He began his managerial career with a brief stint in Cyprus with AEK Larnaca before one year at Mirandes in the Spanish second tier and a subsequent three-year stint at Rayo Vallecano, who he took into La Liga and to the last four of the Copa del Rey.
Playing Style and Challenges Ahead
While Iraola has never won a major honour as either a player or manager, his attack-minded, high-intensity style of play has earned him a growing reputation in the Premier League. The Spanish boss was appointed as Arne Slot's replacement on Thursday. Iraola arrives to take charge of a Liverpool squad that were bruised by their fifth-placed finish in the most recent season, and he says he will do everything he can in order to find out what makes them tick.
The Reds will have eight current first-team players at the World Cup. Iraola is aware that those working behind the scenes are the individuals best placed to offer him the greatest insight while the tournament is under way.
