Once failed transfer, now head coach, meet new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, less than a week after sacking Arne Slot following a disappointing second season in charge. The 43-year-old Spaniard will take charge ahead of the 2026-27 season, returning to the club he once approached as a player during the January 2014 transfer window.

“We can confirm that Andoni Iraola has agreed a deal to become the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season,” Liverpool said in a statement posted on social media.

Liverpool’s decision reflects a shift back to a high-intensity, aggressive pressing style concerns about the performance of the team under Slot, whose team lost 12 league games in a difficult title defense.

After his appointment, Iraola said: “You don’t need many things to attract Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool. But of course the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the chance for me to coach players at the highest level, the chance to fight for titles. I think it can’t be more attractive than this. It’s hard to find. So I’m really excited to start.”

FAILED TRANSFER TO HEAD COACH

The appointment of Iraola carries a unique narrative twist as the Spaniard was on Liverpool’s radar as a player in 2014 before the move fell through and he remained at Athletic Bilbao. More than a decade later, he returns not as a signing but as the club’s head coach.

The Basque coach has since built up a strong managerial reputation, he has led Bournemouth to one of the Premier League’s most successful seasons in recent times. The south coast club finished sixth, unbeaten in their last 18 games and securing European qualification for the first time in their history.

His rise through management included spells at AEK Larnaca, Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano before his breakthrough in England, where his intense pressing style drew comparisons to Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy.

Despite his success, the appointment represents a significant gamble for Liverpool. Iraola has never managed at Champions League level, has no major trophies as a coach and will now be tasked with rebuilding the squad in the transition to departures of key senior players including Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.

Liverpool spent heavily in the previous offseason but still finished fifth, prompting management to reset the project with a manager seen as in keeping with their traditional high-energy identity.

Iraola now becomes the latest Basque coach to take charge of the Premier League, joining a growing group that includes Mikel Artet, Unai Emery and Xabi Alonso.

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Published on:

05 Jun 2026 08:39 IST