New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has explained why he prefers to sign short-term two-year deals over long contracts during his opening press conference in charge of the Reds
Oscar Maung-Haley US Sports Reporter
13:46, 13 Jul 2026Updated 13:46, 13 Jul 2026
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Andoni Iraola new manager of Liverpool Football Club at Anfield on June 04, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola has explained why he only signed an initial two-year deal with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has explained the thinking behind only signing a two-year deal on Merseyside in his opening press conference.
The Spaniard took the Liverpool job last month following the departure of Arne Slot after a difficult 2025/26 campaign, with Iraola swapping the south coast of England for Merseyside after a successful stint in charge of Bournemouth. The 44-year-old was in charge of Bournemouth for three seasons, guiding the Cherries into Europe for the first time in the club's history last term after qualifying for the Europa League.
Iraola initially joined Bournemouth from Rayo Vallecano, signing a two-year deal with the Cherries. That deal was extended by a year following a then-best 12th-place finish in the Premier League, a feat he managed to outdo during the next two seasons.
While Bournemouth had hoped to keep Iraola, he made up his mind in April of this year that he would leave the club at the end of the 2025/26 season, a trend he has set throughout his coaching career.
He has yet to stay anywhere for more than three seasons, with Iraola preferring shorter-term deals to lengthy contracts.
And speaking during his opening press conference as Liverpool boss, he explained his thinking behind this approach, stating it comes down to a desire to earn the next contract.
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola was in good spirits during his first press conference as Liverpool head coach on Monday(Image: YouTube - Liverpool FC)
"Two-year deals, coaching, contracts don't matter a lot," said Iraola. "I don't want to be in a place because of a contract. I sign year to year, basically. A lot of managers have long contracts, but sometimes the club doesn't want it.
"As a player, it's important, but as a manager, it's not important. If you are happy, I am happy. I want to stay here a lot more years, it means I have done a good job. As managers, we have to earn the right to continue. I have done it every time like this."
Iraola's approach reflects that of a coach who is hungry for success. Should he hit the ground running at Liverpool, as he did at Bournemouth, he will almost certainly be handed a contract extension to avoid a situation where he could enter the 2027/28 season with one year left on his deal.
Previously, the Spaniard has also said that he wants to coach in an environment where he is happy rather than one where he simply has a contract. In an interview with BBC Radio Solent back in 2025, Iraola explained that earning compensation from a payout for a long-term deal does not sit well with him, echoing his words from his opening Liverpool press conference.
"I don't want to continue in a club just because I have a contract," said Iraola. "I want to continue because both sides are happy and they want to continue together.
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He added: "To sign a contract just to have the assurance that if they sack (fire) you, you have the money no - I don't feel pleased with this.
"You have to earn the right every season. Sometimes even if you don't get best result, maybe [the] club is happy with your work and want to continue.
"Every year is a renewal in confidence from both sides."