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Liverpool gets new manager, Andoni Iraola replaces Arne Slot
Liverpool appoint Andoni Iraola as the new manager. Here's all you need to know.
Liverpool has finally got a new manager as the Reds confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola. The development comes after the club sacked Arne Slot following a disastrous 2025-26 Premier League season in which Liverpool finished 5th. The club might have confirmed the appointment, but the Reds have given no indication of the length of the 43-year-old's contract. However, according to British media, Iraola has signed a two-year deal.
"Really excited, really excited, because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it's a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world," Iraola was quoted as saying by the official Liverpool website.
“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,” he added.
Also Read: Liverpool sack Arne Slot after two seasons in-charge; club begins hunt for new manager
Iraola is no stranger to the Premier League, and he arrives at Liverpool following impressive campaigns in the competition with AFC Bournemouth, leading them into Europe for the first time in their history with a sixth-placed finish in the table last month.
Born in the Basque region of northern Spain, Iraola had a lengthy playing career, operating mainly as a right-back and making more than 500 appearances for Athletic Club in 12 seasons. He also won 7 caps for Spain before joining New York City FC from 2015 to 2016, before hanging up his boots.
Iraola’s maiden coaching stint came in the summer of 2018, when he took charge of AEK Larnaca and helped them win the Cypriot Super Cup.
A spell at Spanish second-division side Mirandes preceded a switch to Rayo Vallecano in 2020, where he led the club to promotion to La Liga in his first term at the helm.
More coaching roles
Three years later, the Premier League came calling, and Iraola was appointed as Bournemouth boss. His work at the Cherries caught everyone's imagination, culminating in European qualification being achieved last term after a remarkable 18-match unbeaten run in the second half of the season, which sealed sixth place.
“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. 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,” he said.
