Liverpool will face six new managers in their opening six Premier League games after a summer of change across the English topflight.
Nine clubs have made a change in the dugout over the summer, seeing Mikel Arteta assume the title as the current longest-serving coach in the Premier League (six years).
Liverpool, of course, stood down Arne Slot and appointed Andoni Iraola in early June, aiming to restore identity and intensity on and off the pitch.
And in a unique quirk to the club’s opening league fixtures, every single team – from Newcastle on the opening day to the meeting against Man City in October – will be against a newly-appointed manager.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during the pre-season friendly match at the Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead. Picture date: Saturday July 25, 2026.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during the pre-season friendly match at the Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead. Picture date: Saturday July 25, 2026.
This comes after Eddie Howe’s sudden departure, with Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle expected to take the helm at St James’ Park less than a month before the Reds’ visit.
Liverpool face Newcastle, before welcoming Nottingham Forest, with matches against Ipswich, Fulham, and Bournemouth to follow, before Man City make the trip to Anfield after the international break.
6 Premier League games, 6 new managers
Liverpool’s Opening Six Opponents & New Bosses
Newcastle: Matthias Jaissle (Expected)
Ipswich: Gary O’Neil
Man City: Enzo Maresca
Newcastle have made the latest change of the six aforementioned clubs, but every change will require different analysis from Iraola and Co. in the lead-up to each fixture.
Only three have not managed in the Premier League before, including Newcastle‘s expected new head coach, Jaissle, Fulham‘s Alvaro Arbeloa and Bournemouth‘s Marco Rose.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa after the UEFA Champions League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Tuesday March 17, 2026.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa after the UEFA Champions League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Tuesday March 17, 2026.
Oliver Glasner (Forest), Gary O’Neil (Ipswich) and Enzo Maresca (Man City) are otherwise known to the Premier League after recent spells at Crystal Palace, Wolves and Chelsea, respectively.
As for Iraola’s record against the six new faces, he has not lost in five meetings against Glasner (2W, 3D), while he has failed to beat Maresca (3D, 2L), and has a mixed record against O’Neil (2W, 1L).
He has yet to meet Jaissle, Arbeloa, or Rose as a head coach.
Liverpool’s Opening 6 Premier League Fixtures (2026/27)
Matchday 1:Newcastle (A) – Sunday, Aug 23, 4.30pm
Matchday 3:Ipswich (A) – Friday, Sep 4, 8pm
Matchday 4:Fulham (H) – Saturday, Sep 12, 3pm
Matchday 5:Bournemouth (A) – Sunday, Sep 20, 2pm
Matchday 6:Man City (H) – October 10/11
2 x collage (16)
2 x collage (16)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Wrexham AFC
NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Chelsea FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)