Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach on a deal that will begin ahead of the 2026-27 season, with the Spaniard arriving at Anfield after the most successful campaign in Bournemouth’s history.
Liverpool confirmed the move on X, stating: "We can confirm Andoni Iraola has agreed a deal to become the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season."
The appointment follows the departure of Arne Slot, who left his post after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League.
Slot had led the Reds to the title in his first season but struggled to replicate that form in his second year at Anfield.
Iraola joins Liverpool on the back of a breakthrough campaign with Bournemouth that saw the Cherries finish sixth in the Premier League, their highest league position to date and enough to secure Europa League qualification for the first time.
Only Liverpool stood between them and fifth place as Iraola’s side also ended the season unbeaten in their final 18 matches, a run that included a notable 1-0 win over Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium in January.
He had already announced he would leave Bournemouth when his contract expired this summer.
READ ALSO: Chelsea Legend Bobby Tambling Dies at 84
Speaking after his final match in charge, Iraola said European qualification was his way of repaying the club’s owners, players and supporters.
"It’s nice to finish like this, something to celebrate. I’m happy and we were celebrating like we should," he said.
The 42-year-old, who took over at Bournemouth in 2023, earned praise for a style of play built on aggressive pressing, tactical bravery against bigger sides, and defensive discipline when required.
Bournemouth moved quickly to secure a successor, appointing Marco Rose as Iraola’s replacement with effect from 1 July.
The German, who has previously managed Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, won the DFB-Pokal with Leipzig in 2022 after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in the final.
Rose flew to the south coast the day after the Premier League season ended to meet Iraola and the club’s staff ahead of his arrival.
Liverpool will now hope Iraola can translate Bournemouth’s upward trajectory to Merseyside as they look to return to the top of the Premier League next season.
0 Comments