Michael Owen has declared himself "really excited" by the appointment of Andoni Iraola as the new Liverpool manager, saying the former Bournemouth boss can reignite optimism at Anfield
Mark McCadden
17:45, 29 Jun 2026
Michael Owen has made his feelings clear on Andoni Iraola
Michael Owen has made his feelings clear on Andoni Iraola(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola's appointment as Liverpool's new manager has sparked renewed enthusiasm around Anfield ahead of the forthcoming season.
The former Bournemouth boss was awarded a two-year deal in early June, just days after the club decided to part ways with Arne Slot. While Slot secured a Premier League title during his inaugural campaign, the previous season proved disappointing as the Reds tumbled to fifth place.
They finished merely three points clear of Iraola's Bournemouth, a team that exceeded expectations to secure European qualification and came agonizingly close to Champions League participation. Iraola, who announced in April his intention to depart the Cherries at the campaign's conclusion, will now compete in Europe's elite competition next term with Liverpool.
His arrival has prompted former Liverpool star Michael Owen to declare that he is "really excited" about the season ahead.
Owen had previously expressed his belief that Slot would remain at the helm for the start of the new campaign, having qualified for the Champions League. Following Iraola's appointment, he has thrown his complete support behind the decision.
"I felt a little bit on the fence, I felt a little bit 50/50 whether Liverpool should continue with Arne Slot," he commented, speaking via Casino.org, a resource designed to make discovering Irish online casino sites easier and safer.
Iraola has replaced Arne Slot at Anfield
Iraola has replaced Arne Slot at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)
"However, now they have made the decision, I'm actually really enthused and really excited. If Arne Slot was still there, I think the season would have started with little hope, Liverpool fans, I don't know, maybe a little bit depressed.
"Now, all of a sudden, it's a fresh new start, and you think to yourself, there are some great players in that squad, if he can ignite it, then Liverpool can win the league.
"Could they have won the league with Arne Slot, with that feeling around the place, it almost felt like an inevitability... there was a sour taste around the place. All of a sudden, I'm like, right, I actually am enthused again. I must admit I am excited by it."
Owen reckons Liverpool supporters will witness a shift back toward the more thrilling Jurgen Klopp approach under the incoming boss. "I think the fans were a little bit bored (under Slot)," he said. "It was quite slow, possession-based.
"But (Andoni) Iraola, his team plays more like a Klopp way than a Slot way. So yeah, I think that's exciting.
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"But the big question is, Bournemouth could play like that, they had one game every week throughout the season, you've got a lot of energy, whereas Liverpool need to manage so many different games, so can you play like that?
"Will you be out on your feet halfway through the season? But you can't knock it until you try it, so let's see what he's got. There will be lots of questions, this is the biggest job he's ever had, he has never managed a team like Liverpool before.
"But on all the evidence of what he's done so far, he deserves the opportunity. He seems to be a very good manager."