After strong links to the Reds, Liverpool have now confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new manager.
Arne Slot was sacked on Saturday after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign that saw the club suffer 12 Premier League defeats in a single season for the first time since the Brendan Rodgers era.
But Liverpool have wasted little time finding a replacement, with Iraola’s appointment now confirmed on June 4.
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Andoni Iraola’s first message as Liverpool manager
In a statement, Liverpool wrote: “Liverpool FC can confirm Andoni Iraola has agreed a deal to become the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.
“The 43-year-old will take up the helm at Anfield to succeed Arne Slot, who departed the Reds on Saturday.
“Iraola arrives after three impressive campaigns in the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth, leading them into Europe for the first time in their history with a sixth-placed finish in the table last month.”
What should Iraola’s first job be as Liverpool boss? 🤔
Meanwhile, Iraola expressed his excitement at becoming Liverpool manager following his Cherries exit.
In his first message, he said: “Really excited, really excited. Because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world.
“But feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club, I always thought it’s a special club.
“You don’t need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.
“But obviously the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the chance for me to coach top-level players, the chance to fight for titles. I think it cannot be more attractive than this. It’s difficult to find it. So, really excited to start.”
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