Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher had an instant three-word message for Andoni Iraola after his appointment as the new Reds head coach, taking over from Arne Slot
21:03, 04 Jun 2026Updated 21:04, 04 Jun 2026
Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher sent a three-word message Thursday to new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, who was confirmed as the successor to Arne Slot at Anfield.
Iraola takes over on a two-year deal after Slot was fired last weekend. Negotiations with the Spaniard were concluded quickly and he arrives as a highly rated manager with a strong attacking philosophy, which is a key reason for his appointment.
"Good luck boss," Carragher posted on Instagram shortly after the confirmation of Iraola's arrival came. The Reds legend has previously suggested that bringing a coach in from Bournemouth is a "risk", but keeping Slot, given the mood among Liverpool fans, would have been a gamble too.
"I could have lived with whatever decision Liverpool made," Carragher said on The Overlap podcast, sponsored by Sky Bet, when talking about Slot's dismissal.
"I had gotten my head around Arne Slot staying. I wouldn't have just changed him for anyone, or where Slot goes and we are looking for a manager.
"I would have changed him for Xabi Alonso. As soon as he went to Chelsea, I was thinking that I would keep Slot.
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Nikki Dyer - Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"But it looks as though it will be Iraola. He has done a fantastic job at Bournemouth but it is a big jump and if you asked me a few weeks ago, would you fire Slot and bring in Iraola? I'm not sure. I don't know.
"I say this with all big clubs. When they make an appointment, can I see that manager winning the league? Liverpool already had that with Slot but the performances and results weren't good enough.
"A manager from Bournemouth, who hasn't had much European experience or managed in the Champions League, I do think it's a risk."
Carragher has also expressed concerns this week that Liverpool's existing players might not be suited to the style that Iraola plays having been brought in under Slot.
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"My worry is, Liverpool recruited for Slot," he continued. "It was a bit more controlled than Klopp. The football was slow and laborious but Slot wasn't defensive; he had a lot of attacking players on the pitch.
"I am not sure Liverpool has the players [to play Iraola's style]. When the pressing was slow, it was because Liverpool had Wirtz and Mac Allister in midfield. Isak doesn't press; neither does Ekitike."
Liverpool.com says: Iraola is an exciting appointment, even if it is a risk. His Bournemouth team was great to watch, which is a step in the right direction to start with.