Image Credits: Imago Images
Andoni Iraola was appointed Liverpool head coach in the summer of 2026 after three impressive seasons at AFC Bournemouth.
At Bournemouth, he built a reputation for fearless, attacking football, guiding the club to 12th, ninth and then sixth in the Premier League, with his final season ending in a historic European qualification.
Now at Anfield, Iraola is preparing for a busy first campaign, with Liverpool yet to officially confirm his full backroom staff.
However, it is reported that he will be joined by several trusted Bournemouth colleagues, including assistant coach Tommy Elphick, set-piece coach Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre, as confirmed by The Times’ Paul Joyce.
Joyce posted on X: “Andoni Iraola backroom staff at Liverpool now in place. Coaches Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, fitness coach Pablo de la Torre and analyst Tom Webber.”
Tommy Elphick had recently been open to a managerial role of his own and turned down the Bristol City job as he considered other opportunities, with Michael Skubala eventually appointed. A former Liverpool fan, Elphick now joins Andoni Iraola’s staff after working with him at Bournemouth.
Shaun Cooper, 42, came through the Portsmouth academy and later made 240 appearances for Bournemouth after joining in 2005.
Since retiring in 2017, he has moved into coaching and is highly regarded for his set-piece work, an area Liverpool struggled with last season under Arne Slot.
Tom Webber, another trusted member of Iraola’s team, is known for his focus on the out-of-possession phase of play, while fitness coach Pablo de la Torre will oversee the physical demands of Iraola’s intense style.
De la Torre is expected to play a key role in ensuring the squad adapts to a demanding schedule that includes regular midweek fixtures.
Iraola, who has signed a two-year deal, will begin pre-season this month, including a tour of the United States. The Reds will face Sunderland, Leeds and Wrexham in the US before returning to Merseyside for friendlies against Monaco and Como at Anfield.