New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola accepts he cannot promise success but is aware of what is expected of him and is ready for the challenge of winning titles.
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 opted not for long-term deals.
Liverpool did consider 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.
They view the Basque as having the qualities required to return the club to a more aggressive, intense style of football which got lost under Slot, even though he won only their second Premier League title in 30 years in his first season.
Andoni Iraola new manager of Liverpool Football Club at Axa training centre on June 04, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“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,” Iraola told the club’s website.
“It cannot be more attractive than this.
“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.
“At the beginning when you arrive at any club, I think you need to kind of prove a little bit yourself. You need to earn the right also to belong.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 19, 2023: Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I want to do this as quickly as possible so I can also celebrate with [the fans] and I can be part properly of those celebrations.
“It matters a lot to everyone. Football is about emotion and I understand it’s a privilege and a big responsibility as those people want to be represented properly.
“I would love from my side and the players’ side [that] those people identify with the football, the values of the squad.
“I can only say I want to earn the right to be one of you so we can enjoy it all together.”
Iraola’s style earned plenty of plaudits and Bournemouth‘s sixth-place finish – securing a first European campaign – proved his methods are effective.
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 the English game.
The Basque flew into Merseyside on a private jet from San Sebastian in his homeland, visiting the club’s AXA training complex and Anfield before returning on the same plane late in the afternoon.
It is believed he wants to bring assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre with him to the club, and Liverpool are currently exploring options regarding the make-up of the backroom team.
25.09.2010, San Mames, Bilbao, ESP, Primera Division, Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona, im Bild Atletic de Bilbao's Andoni Iraola (l) and FC Barcelona's Adriano Correia during La Liga match. EXPA Pictures © 2010, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ Alterphotos/ Acero +++++ ATTENTION - OUT OF SPAIN / ESP +++++
Liverpool are understood to have followed Iraola’s career for more than a decade, having once tried to sign him as a player, and have watched his coaching career develop with a degree of admiration.
They believe his established football philosophy fits their desired identity and he has the personality and leadership qualities to thrive at a such a high-profile club.
The job he did at Bournemouth, without having huge resources available, in developing players was also noted as that remains a core principle for Liverpool, despite their unprecedented £450million spending spree last summer.
He is also seen as providing continuity, and his intense, pressing style is more akin to that of Jurgen Klopp‘s while also bringing fresh ideas.