Liverpool appoint Andoni Iraola as Arne Slot replacement

Liverpool have appointed former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as Arne Slot’s replacement, following the sacking of the Dutch manager, who endured a torrid second season in the Premier League.

The decision to part ways with Arne Slot came as a major surprise, with all signs previously pointing towards the Dutchman remaining at the helm for a third season, after delivering the club’s 20th league title in the top flight.

While Liverpool endured a below-par campaign, the former PSV boss had only recently delivered a remarkable first season in charge, leading the Reds to the Premier League crown after taking over from Jürgen Klopp in 2024.

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Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League and failed to win a trophy in a major fall from their old self after winning the title in Slot’s maiden campaign. Slot still had a year left on his contract.

However, owners Fenway Sports Group decided to cut ties with their boss after conducting a post-season review, with Iraola the leading contender to manage the Merseyside Reds, according to journalist David Ornstein, having guided the Cherries to sixth place in the Premier League.

The club has now confirmed the appointment of Iraola, with the Spaniard signing a two-year contract after emerging as one of the most sought-after coaches on the market.

Liverpool posted on their X account, with Iraola speaking for the first time in a video to Red fans following his appointment and confirmation on Thursday.

The 43-year-old had been on the radar of Crystal Palace and several leading European sides before agreeing to take the job at Anfield.

Iraola and Bournemouth completed an 18-game unbeaten run during the second half of the 2025/26 Premier League season, leading to them securing a sixth-place finish and Europa League football.

The new Liverpool head coach gave his first speech, following his official unveiling:

“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.

“I can only say [to the fans] that I want to become one more of you, I want to earn the right to be one of you, so we can enjoy it all together.”

He will be joined by backroom staff members Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, and analyst Tom Webber, with Pablo de la Torre, Bournemouth’s lead fitness and conditioning coach, who will be out of contract soon, joining the team.

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