Andoni Iraola has begun working as the new Liverpool head coach, with the former Bournemouth boss challenged with chasing down Arsenal and Man City in the Premier League
20:46, 16 Jul 2026
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Under Andoni Iraola, Liverpool will expect a dramatic improvement next season. Arne Slot might have delivered a Champions League finish, but that was not enough to save him from being fired.
As things stand, several more transfers are required and the work on the training field has only just begun. Iraola is yet to meet most of his senior stars as they remain on holiday after the World Cup, for example.
But with the countdown on to the next season beginning, though, time is of the essence. In just 38 days, the Reds will take on Newcastle at St James' Park — a difficult task on the Premier League's opening day.
But what is the Reds' ceiling in Iraola's debut campaign? What is realistic for Liverpool to reach for? Having qualified for the Champions League, getting closer to Arsenal and Manchester City has to be the aim, as a minimum.
"A title challenge would be a heck of a call," Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith tells Liverpool.com. "I think it probably is out of the question.
"But yes, Florian Wirtz, obviously, he's had that bedding in season. He's a talented boy, showing that for Germany in spells over here.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during a training session.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during a training session.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"Rio Ngumoha, the young winger; Iraola's got a great record in trusting in youth and developing them. You think of Kroupi Jr and the like at Bournemouth.
"So, yeah, those younger players and Wirtz will think, oh, this is the manager for me."
Alongside Wirtz, Alexander Isak should improve substantially next term. Victor Munoz has already arrived from Osasuna to bolster the forward line, and Iraola promised more signings would be coming during his first press conference.
On that topic, Smith says Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh could be a good alternative to Bradley Barcola for Liverpool should a transfer move for the PSG star prove difficult.
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"The fans might be disappointed, I don't know," Smith, speaking on behalf of Best Betting Sites, continues. "Sometimes a player, like Barcola, that comes from outside of the league and you don't really know too much about, but everyone's talking about him, oh, he's going to be great, blah, blah, blah, and it doesn't always work out that way.
"Minteh knows the Premier League. He's done well. He's been around a bit but he's still only 21, so he's ripe for development, I think.
"Iraola, if he gets him, he could be the man to do that. So I don't think that if he does come to Anfield, Liverpool fans should be too disappointed."