Andoni Iraola has been officially confirmed as the new head coach of Liverpool Football Club, after signing a two-year contract.
The 43-year-old Spaniard arrives after an impressive three years at Bournemouth, guiding the south coast club to European qualification for the first time.
Manager Profile: Andoni Iraola
Full Name: Andoni Iraola SagarnaAge: 43 (June 22, 1982)Birthplace: Usurbil, SpainAppointed: June 2026
Tactical Style: High pressPreferred Formation: 4-2-3-1Former Clubs: Bournemouth, Rayo Vallecano, Mirandes, AEK Larnaca
Iraola quickly emerged as the front-runner following Arne Slot‘s dismissal on Saturday, with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes having also appointed him at Bournemouth.
Talks took place over the weekend and an agreement was struck on a two-year contract, with Iraola then travelling to Merseyside on Thursday to put pen to paper.
After conducting media duties with Liverpool’s in-house team including a trip to Anfield, he has now been officially unveiled in the role of head coach.
AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola following the Premier League match at the City Ground, Nottingham. Andoni Iraola was taking charge of his last match for Bournemouth and set his final mission to secure a place in the Champions League, but they fell agonisingly short. Picture date: Sunday May 24, 2026.
“Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world,” he told the club’s official 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.”
Andoni Iraola (left) leaving AXA Training Centre in Liverpool. Andoni Iraola has arrived on Merseyside to finalise the details on his appointment as Liverpool's new head coach. Picture date: Thursday June 4, 2026.
Bournemouth colleagues Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, Pablo de la Torre and Tom Webber are expected to comprise his new-look backroom staff.
Iraola’s style of play is said to be more aligned to how Liverpool supporters expect the team to play, with high pressing and high energy more akin to Jurgen Klopp‘s style.
The former Athletic Bilbao player previously managed Rayo Vallecano, before making his move to the Premier League in 2023.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 24, 2026: Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola celebrates after the FA Premier League match between Bournemouth AFC and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. Bournemouth won 3-2.(Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Iraola, like Slot and Klopp before him, uses a variation of a 4-3-3 formation, usually seeking to disrupt opponents with quick wingers and aggressive pressure play when out of possession.
It proved hugely successful during his time at Bournemouth, leading them to a sixth-placed finish in last season’s Premier League to earn a spot in the Europa League for the first time in their history.
He will begin work at the AXA ahead of pre-season in early July and his first game at Anfield is set to be against Monaco in a friendly on August 9.
Liverpool FC Managerial History
Manager Tenure
W.E. Barclay & John McKenna 1892 – 1896
Tom Watson 1896 – 1915
George Patterson 1918 – 1919
David Ashworth 1919 – 1922
Matt McQueen 1923 – 1928
George Patterson 1928 – 1936
George Kay 1936 – 1951
Don Welsh 1951 – 1956
Phil Taylor 1956 – 1959
Bill Shankly 1959 – 1974
Bob Paisley 1974 – 1983
Joe Fagan 1983 – 1985
Kenny Dalglish 1985 – 1991
Ronnie Moran (Caretaker) 1991
Graeme Souness 1991 – 1994
Roy Evans 1994 – 1998
Roy Evans & Gerard Houllier 1998
Gerard Houllier 1998 – 2004
Rafa Benitez 2004 – 2010
Roy Hodgson 2010 – 2011
Kenny Dalglish 2011 – 2012
Brendan Rodgers 2012 – 2015
Jurgen Klopp 2015 – 2024
Arne Slot 2024 – 2026
Andoni Iraola June 2026 – Present