Liverpool's search for a successor to Arne Slot has reached its conclusion, with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola announced as the next Reds boss on June 4.
The Spaniard has built a reputation as one of Europe's most exciting young coaches thanks to his high-energy style of play and impressive work in both Spain and England.
Here's everything you need to know about Liverpool's next manager, and why he is an ideal fit for Anfield.
MORE: Why Liverpool sacked Arne Slot just weeks after giving him support
Andoni Iraola career
Iraola began his coaching career in Cyprus with AEK Larnaca in 2018 after retiring from playing. His first managerial role lasted one season before he returned to Spain to take charge of Mirandes in the Segunda Division.
During the 2019/20 season, he guided Mirandes to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, one of the club's greatest achievements.
His success earned him a move to Rayo Vallecano in 2020. Iraola secured promotion to La Liga in his first season and established the Madrid-based club as a competitive top-flight side despite operating on one of the league's smallest budgets.
In 2023, Bournemouth appointed him as their head coach. After a difficult start, Iraola transformed the Cherries into one of the Premier League's most entertaining teams, regularly challenging clubs with significantly larger resources.
In 2025/26, they finished sixth in the table to qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League.
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Why Andoni Iraola is a perfect fit for Liverpool
Iraola is known for his aggressive pressing system, high defensive line and fast transitions.
His teams look to win the ball back quickly and attack vertically rather than dominating possession for long periods. The Spaniard's approach has often been compared to the football played by Jurgen Klopp during Liverpool's most successful years.
At Bournemouth, Iraola's side ranked among the Premier League's best teams for pressing intensity and turnovers won in advanced areas.
Liverpool's current squad appears well suited to his philosophy. Players such as Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz have the athletic qualities required to thrive in an aggressive pressing structure, while the pace of the team's attackers would complement Iraola's preference for quick attacking transitions.
Has Andoni Iraola won a trophy?
Despite his growing reputation, Iraola has yet to win a major trophy as a manager.
His most notable achievements include guiding Mirandes to the Copa del Rey semifinals, winning promotion to La Liga with Rayo Vallecano and establishing Bournemouth as a competitive Premier League side.
While silverware has so far eluded him, his ability to improve teams with limited resources attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs before Liverpool made their move.
A message to our supporters from the new Reds head coach ❤️ pic.twitter.com/n1eOrKm5YZ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 4, 2026
Andoni Iraola playing career
Before becoming a manager, Iraola enjoyed an outstanding playing career with Athletic Club.
The former right-back spent the majority of his career with the Basque club, making more than 500 appearances across all competitions. He represented Athletic in domestic and European competitions and was widely regarded as one of Spain's most consistent defenders.
Iraola also earned seven caps for Spain and was part of the national-team setup during one of the country's strongest footballing eras.
He finished his playing career with New York City FC in Major League Soccer before retiring in 2016.