Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach on a two-year contract, just six days after the sacking of Arne Slot. The 43-year-old former Bournemouth boss was identified as the ideal candidate for the club's preferred playing style amid interest from Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and Crystal Palace.
Iraola, who was always Liverpool's favoured option, 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. No better place than Anfield.'
The appointment was led by sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously worked with Iraola at Bournemouth. Hughes and Michael Edwards, chief executive of football for Fenway Sports Group, conducted a review of Liverpool's poor title defence under Slot and concluded a change was needed to implement a more aggressive, attacking style.
Iraola arrived on Merseyside on Thursday and has signed a deal 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 no additions have been finalised yet.
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. He improved Bournemouth year-on-year with limited resources, making them an exciting, high-pressing team.
