Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new manager on Thursday, following the sacking of Arne Slot after a disastrous Premier League title defence. The 43-year-old Spaniard quickly became Liverpool's top target to replace Slot, whose two-year tenure ended abruptly when he was dismissed last Saturday.
Two-Year Deal for Iraola
Liverpool did not disclose the length of Iraola's contract, but British media reports indicate he has signed a two-year deal. Speaking on Liverpool's official website, Iraola expressed his excitement: "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."
Aggressive Style Expected
After criticism of Liverpool's lacklustre performances in Slot's second season, Iraola is expected to bring a more urgent, aggressive style of football reminiscent of the team under beloved former manager Jurgen Klopp. Iraola earned widespread praise for Bournemouth's sixth-place finish in the Premier League this season, securing the club's first European qualification in the Europa League. He joined Bournemouth from Rayo Vallecano in 2023, having previously managed Mirandes and AEK Larnaca in Cyprus. Under Iraola, Bournemouth improved each year, finishing 12th, ninth, and sixth. He was commended for his astute tactics and development of young talents like Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.
Slot's Downfall
Prior to leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, Egypt star Mohamed Salah called for a return to the "heavy metal football" that brought success under Klopp, increasing pressure on Slot. Iraola has previously spoken about his preference for an attacking, high-pressing style, contrasting with Slot's more controlled approach. Born in Spain's Basque Country, Iraola played over 500 games for Athletic Bilbao before a stint in Major League Soccer with New York City, where he played alongside Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo. He arrives at Liverpool at a crossroads after Slot failed to maintain the club's position at the top of English football. Slot had the difficult task of replacing Klopp, who left in 2024 after winning the Premier League and Champions League during a golden nine-year spell at Anfield. The former Feyenoord boss made a strong start, leading Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English league title in his debut season, powered by Salah's 29 goals. However, Slot could not halt Liverpool's decline in the 2025/26 season, as the Reds collapsed from late September, finishing a turbulent season without a trophy. The death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota in a car crash last July had a profound impact on the squad, while the club's £450 million ($605 million) spending on new signings did not pay off. Slot's relationship with Salah also deteriorated, and Liverpool fans turned on the manager due to the team's lifeless displays and poor results. The club limped to a fifth-place finish, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, which at least secured Champions League qualification for next season.
