Before Andoni Iraola took charge of Liverpool this summer, he spent three seasons transforming Bournemouth into a Premier League fixture.
He arrived at the south-coast club in 2023 after guiding Rayo Vallecano to promotion and consolidation in La Liga, having begun his coaching career with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus and Mirandes in Spain’s second tier.
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Under his management, Bournemouth improved every season, finishing 12th, then ninth, then sixth. That sixth-place finish last term secured the Cherries’ first-ever European qualification, sending them into the Europa League.
Iraola built his reputation on a relentless, high-pressing style and a track record of developing young talent, including Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott. His side also went on an 18-match unbeaten run during that push for Europe.
That form made him Liverpool’s leading target when Arne Slot was dismissed on 30 May, a year after leading the club to the Premier League title.
Iraola signed a two-year deal and was appointed head coach in June, succeeding Slot ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Three months into the job, Iraola is preparing his Liverpool side for a Carabao Cup third-round tie against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night at Anfield.
It is Liverpool’s third match in seven days, following a Champions League win over Atletico Madrid last Wednesday and a goalless Premier League draw at home to Fulham at the weekend.
Speaking at Monday’s press conference, Iraola confirmed that Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal in place of Alisson, who has started Liverpool’s last five matches.
“I think with Alisson there are little doubts, he is proven, he is playing very well,” Iraola said, explaining his rotation plans given the congested schedule.
He then turned to Mamardashvili, revealing a personal history with the Georgian goalkeeper that predates his move to Anfield.
“I rate Giorgi very highly,” Iraola told reporters. “I know him from his years in Spain. I told him that we tried to sign him for Bournemouth before I came here. He’s a very good goalkeeper and he will start tomorrow.”
The comment confirms that Bournemouth made an approach for Giorgi Mamardashvili during Iraola’s time at the club, before the goalkeeper’s move to Liverpool.
Andoni Iraola also indicated further changes across his line-up, with Joe Gomez available again after returning to training.
A decision remains at left-back following Kostas Tsimikas’s half-time substitution against Fulham.
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