Liverpool FC have appointed Spaniard Andoni Iraola as their new manager following the dismissal of Arne Slot after a disappointing Premier League title defence.
The club confirmed Iraola’s appointment on Thursday, bringing an end to Slot’s brief tenure at Anfield, which was terminated last Saturday after a turbulent 2025/26 season. While Liverpool did not disclose contract details, British media reports suggest the 43-year-old has signed a two-year deal.
Iraola, who recently ended his spell at Bournemouth, said he was “really excited” to take charge of one of football’s most storied clubs.
“You know about Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world,” he said in his first interview on the club’s 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.”
He added that the opportunity to coach top players and compete for trophies made the job “very attractive” and said he aimed to “earn the right” to be embraced by supporters.
Liverpool turned to Iraola after a difficult season under Slot, whose second year in charge ended in collapse after early promise. The Dutch manager had initially delivered success, guiding Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th league title in his debut season, but was unable to sustain that momentum.
The 2025/26 campaign saw Liverpool struggle for consistency, with reports of dressing room unrest and underwhelming performances contributing to a fifth-place finish, 25 points behind champions Arsenal. The club still secured Champions League qualification, but failed to win any trophies.
Slot’s reign was also overshadowed by wider challenges, including the emotional impact of the death of forward Diogo Jota last July and a major spending spree in the transfer market that did not deliver the expected results. Tensions between Slot and key players, including Mohamed Salah, further strained the squad.
Iraola arrives at Anfield with a growing reputation for dynamic, high-pressing football. At Bournemouth, he guided the club to its highest-ever Premier League finish of sixth place, securing European qualification after steady year-on-year improvement since his arrival in 2023.
Known for his tactical discipline and emphasis on attacking intensity, Iraola is expected to restore a more aggressive playing style reminiscent of the club’s Jurgen Klopp era.
A former defender who made over 500 appearances for Athletic Bilbao, Iraola also had spells in Major League Soccer with New York City FC, where he played alongside Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo.
Liverpool now begin a new managerial cycle as they look to rebuild consistency and re-establish themselves among England and Europe’s elite.
