How a comeback win over Burnley changed the fortunes of Andoni Iraola
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A huge turning point involving Burnley has led Andoni Iraola to becoming Liverpool’s new boss.
The Basque coach has taken over at Anfield on a two-year contract, replacing Arne Slot who was recently axed after a disappointing title defence.
It comes off the back of an impressive three-year spell at Bournemouth, where the 43-year-old led the Cherries to Premier League finishes of 12th, ninth and most recently sixth, subsequently qualifying for Europe.
Having just taken over from Gary O’Neil, Iraola was already under pressure by the time Vincent Kompany’s side rocked up on the south coast.
Iraola had failed to win any of his first nine games in charge, leaving Bournemouth rooted inside the relegation zone.
In fact, the Cherries sat 18th on three points, a point adrift of Kompany’s Burnley who had won just one of their first nine games.
Things looked as though they were about to go from bad to worse for Iraola, as Burnley took the lead through Charlie Taylor’s first goal for the club.
But the home side hit back through Antoine Semenyo before taking the victory courtesy of Philip Billing’s 45-yard chip over a helpless James Trafford.
Who knows what would have transpired had the game played out differently?
Indeed, Iraola spoke of his relief after the game, commenting: "I think we needed this one.
“It was obvious we were facing a team in a similar condition. It’s a huge win for us.
"We were pressing really high after conceding the first goal. Everything looked like it was going to be tough, but the first-half especially was really, really good.
"We haven’t been reliable, especially at the back. We need to improve these things if we want to continue having the wins."
Iraola will now be tasked with getting Liverpool back in title contention after a disappointing campaign under Slot, where they finished fifth.
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