Liverpool’s Premier League outlook has been revealed ahead of Andoni Iraola’s debut campaign, as the Reds prepare for a new chapter under the Spanish head coach
21:21, 25 Jul 2026Updated 21:23, 25 Jul 2026
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 14: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Andoni Iraola head coach of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 14, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool is preparing for its first season under Andoni Iraola(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool has been handed an early Premier League prediction ahead of Andoni Iraola’s first season in charge.
Arne Slot’s time at Liverpool came to an end after a difficult Premier League campaign, with a combination of on-field struggles and off-field issues contributing to a challenging atmosphere among the squad and supporters at Anfield.
Frustration had steadily increased as Slot’s possession-focused approach failed to deliver the expected results. The change in style also left some fans feeling disconnected, having previously embraced a more intense identity built around energy, pressing, and relentless attacking football. All eyes will be on Iraola, who arrives at Anfield after guiding Bournemouth to a historic Europa League qualification, securing European football for the first time in the club’s history.
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has predicted Liverpool to finish third this season. "Arsenal first, City second, Liverpool third, and just to annoy most people, I’m going to say Chelsea fourth," said Deeney on talkSPORT.
Iraola’s high-intensity approach, combined with his aggressive attacking philosophy, is understood to have been a key factor behind Liverpool’s decision to appoint him. The new head coach inherits a strong core of players, although further additions will be needed before the new campaign begins.
With Iraola at the helm, Liverpool appears to have secured a manager capable of injecting fresh energy and excitement into the team after a season that often lacked the same spark and connection with supporters.
\So far, despite only working with a small group of senior players during pre-season, Iraola’s methods appear to have impressed those who have experienced them.
The early signs suggest the squad has responded positively to the new head coach’s ideas and approach.
Troy Deeney, football pundit and former professional footballer portrait before the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on February 5, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Troy Deeney has predicted Liverpool to finish third next season.(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
"I think he showed it in Bournemouth that [he is] an unbelievable coach," Dominik Szoboszlai told club media. "He always competed with us with the most fit team in the Premier League. With the intensity, how he wants to play, and the knowledge that he has, I think he's an unbelievable coach. I'm looking forward to playing under him."
Iraola is aiming to channel that momentum in a positive direction as he prepares for Liverpool’s opening Premier League fixture away at Newcastle next month.
"I think the first thing is try to play well," the manager told the Liverpool Echo in an interview during the club's pre-season tour of America.
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"I think football is what helps you more, but it’s not just only about playing well. This helps a lot but I think the supporters have to feel identified with what they see on the pitch. Sometimes it's not just about putting one ball in the top corner.
"A lot of times the ones watching the game are... OK, they cannot do it, but they can run, they can fight for the balls, they can press, they can fight until the last line for every situation and when they see this from the players of their team it’s easier to get behind that team.
"I will encourage my team to give them these things."