Liverpool's new head coach, Andoni Iraola, has implemented his first changes at Anfield following his appointment after Arne Slot's dismissal, as senior players react positively to a fresh start
08:24, 08 Jun 2026
Andoni Iraola has taken charge of Liverpool
Andoni Iraola has taken charge of Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
After a whirlwind week of introductions, Andoni Iraola is wasting no time in putting his stamp on Liverpool.
The Spaniard has been confirmed as Liverpool's new permanent head coach following the recent firing of Arne Slot. The Basque tactician's three outstanding seasons at Bournemouth have positioned him well to take the reins on Merseyside, having just led the Cherries to a remarkable sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.
Yet, as with any change in management, significant shifts are anticipated at the club. Liverpool's summer transfer activity is also expected to be considerable under the new boss. Without further ado, here are the latest headlines from Anfield...
Iraola's rule changes
Iraola has indicated he will make some adjustments to the plans Slot had in place for the Reds this summer. He suggested that those Liverpool players returning from the World Cup will have their reintegration into training carefully monitored.
However, the former Cherries manager clarified that he has no intention of overhauling too much of the groundwork already laid before his arrival, though he will make tweaks ahead of pre-season. "Yes, there was already a lot of work done even before we arrived, and we are trying to change as little as possible for the beginning," he said.
"Obviously, there will be different timetables, some of them depending how far they arrive with the national teams [at the World Cup], they will incorporate later or sooner. I think everything is in place, so everything is quite smooth and there are no problems."
Iraola is aiming to win silverware with Liverpool
Iraola is aiming to win silverware with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Eight of Liverpool's current first-team squad will feature at the World Cup. Iraola is aware that those working behind the scenes will be best placed to keep him informed while the tournament is in full swing.
"For me, right now, I think it's more than talk to the players. Some of them will be on deserved holidays, some of them will be with their national teams," he added.
"I want to talk to the staff, to the people that were here every day, that know very well the players, to arrive as ready as possible to that first day of pre-season.
"I think especially with a lot of those young players that will do the pre-season with us, a lot of things about the organization, about the staff, about how we can create the best atmosphere, the best environment so when they arrive [on] day one, everyone feels everything is in place and we can do this process of adaptation, that it will take some time as soon as possible.
"It's true that it's going to be new staff, new people coming in, but I would like also to value a lot the ones that have been here working for the club with these players, that are really the ones that will help us more at the beginning."
Article continues below
Players 'excited'
A source close to the Liverpool dressing room has informed The Athletic that there is a feeling of excitement surrounding Iraola's appointment.
The report notes that the misery of last season "dragged down the mood in the Liverpool dressing room toward the end of Slot's reign."
Nevertheless, it suggests that the players will now "embrace the prospect of a fresh start" and "an injection of positivity and new ideas," with some players reportedly viewing the managerial change as a "clean slate."