Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach as they seek to return to the intense, aggressive style which brought them so much success in recent years.
The 43-year-old is understood to have signed a two-year contract, in keeping with his way of operating at former clubs where he also chose not to agree to long-term deals.
Liverpool considered other candidates but Iraola emerged as the primary target after the surprise sacking of Arne Slot last weekend and the club moved swiftly to tie up a deal for the former Bournemouth manager, who had already spoken to Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
We can confirm Andoni Iraola has agreed a deal to become the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season 🤝
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 4, 2026
After sacking Slot, Liverpool expressed a desire to move back towards attacking, high-energy football which had been absent in the Dutchman’s second season and the 43-year-old fits the bill having demonstrated significant progress with the Cherries.
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Iraola’s style earned plenty of plaudits and Bournemouth’s sixth-placed finish – securing a first European campaign – proved his methods are effective and that success in the Premier League was one of the factors Liverpool took into account, having previously brought in Slot from Dutch football with no background in English football.
Iraola’s obvious enthusiasm for taking over at Anfield was also welcomed.