Arne Slot's departure was celebrated by several Liverpool fans, who have also welcomed Andoni Iraola with open arms after the club announced his hiring on Thursday
20:16, 04 Jun 2026Updated 20:20, 04 Jun 2026
Andoni Iraola has excited Liverpool fans after being announced as the new head coach
Andoni Iraola has excited Liverpool fans after being announced as the new head coach(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
Andoni Iraola has officially been announced as the new Liverpool head coach, and fans are delighted that he's succeeded Arne Slot after a disappointing season.
Iraola led Bournemouth to sixth in the Premier League last season, finishing just three points behind Liverpool, despite having limited resources. Iraola announced he would leave at the end of the season, while Liverpool was initially rumored to be sticking with Slot through 2027.
However, Slot was abruptly fired at the end of the season, and Iraola has now joined the club on a reported two-year contract. Slot began to lose support from the Liverpool fans, but Iraola has been welcomed with open arms.
"LET’S GOOOOOOOO," one fan excitedly posted on X. "Welcome Andoni, You’ll Never Walk Alone," another added.
"He’s here and he’s perfect!" A third wrote. "Welcome to the best club in England, Andoni Iraola," another fan posted.
One supporter even suggested that Liverpool could enter the Premier League title race next season. "Pray for Man City and Arsenal," they wrote.
Iraola is expected to bring the high intensity back to Liverpool
Iraola is expected to bring the high intensity back to Liverpool(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
Iraola was seen meeting with sporting director Richard Hughes on Thursday, and the announcement was confirmed hours later. Iraola has since given his first interview as Liverpool head coach and is excited to get going at Anfield after the World Cup this summer.
"I am really excited, really excited," Iraola said. "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.
Iraola will be tasked with making Liverpool title contenders once again
Iraola will be tasked with making Liverpool title contenders once again(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
"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."
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When asked about his ambitions, Iraola added, "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."
Iraola spent three seasons at Bournemouth before joining Liverpool, improving their league finish from 15th to 6th. While he won't see out the Europa League campaign with Bournemouth, he will compete in the Champions League with Liverpool.