Andoni Iraola is Liverpool's new head coach - 'I always thought it's a special club'

By SABC Sport
4th June 2026

Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season, with the Spaniard replacing Arne Slot following his departure from Anfield.

The 43-year-old arrives on Merseyside after an outstanding spell with Bournemouth, where he spent three seasons transforming the club into one of the Premier League's most competitive sides. His work was rewarded last month when Bournemouth secured a sixth-place finish and qualified for European football for the first time in their history.

Speaking after his appointment, Iraola could not hide his excitement about taking over at one of football's biggest clubs.

"Really excited, really excited," he told Liverpool's official website.

"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."

The former Bournemouth boss admitted the opportunity to lead Liverpool was impossible to ignore.

"You don't need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool," he said.

"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."

Iraola built a strong reputation during his playing career with Athletic Club, making more than 500 appearances for the Spanish side across 12 seasons. He also represented Spain on seven occasions before ending his playing days in Major League Soccer with New York City FC.

His coaching journey began in Cyprus with AEK Larnaca, where he won the Cypriot Super Cup. He then impressed at Mirandes before guiding Rayo Vallecano back to La Liga in his first season in charge.

Now, after earning widespread praise for his attacking style and success at Bournemouth, Iraola faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career as he prepares to lead Liverpool into a new era with expectations of competing for major trophies at home and in Europe.