Liverpool appoint Spanish coach Iraola to replace Slot

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, following the sacking of Arne Slot after a disastrous Premier League title defence.

Iraola quickly became Liverpool's top target to replace Slot, whose two-year tenure at Anfield ended abruptly when he was fired last Saturday.

Liverpool did not disclose the length of the 43-year-old Spaniard's contract, but British media reported he signed a two-year deal.

“Really excited, really excited, because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know it's a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world,” Iraola, who ended an impressive spell at Bournemouth at the end of this season, said on Liverpool's official website on Thursday.

“But feeling from inside and understanding a little more about this club, I always thought it is a special club. You don't need many things to be attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.”

Following criticism of Liverpool's lifeless displays in Slot's second season at Anfield, Iraola is expected to bring a more urgent, high-energy and attack-minded style of football — the brand that made Jurgen Klopp, the club's previous beloved manager.

Iraola earned widespread praise for guiding Bournemouth to sixth place in the Premier League this season, securing a Europa League berth — the club's first ever appearance in European competition.

He arrived on England's south coast from Rayo Vallecano in 2023, having previously managed Mirandes and AEK Larnaca in Cyprus.

Bournemouth improved under Iraola year on year with finishes of 12th, 9th and 6th. The former defender is hailed for sharp tactical acumen and his ability to develop young players such as Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.

Before leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, Egyptian star Mohamed Salah recently called on the club to return to the 'heavy metal football' that brought so much success under Klopp, piling pressure on the struggling Slot.

Iraola has spoken about his desire for his teams to play in an attacking, high-pressing style, in contrast to Slot's possession-based approach.

Born in the Basque Country, Spain, Iraola played more than 500 games for Athletic Bilbao before a stint with New York City in Major League Soccer, where he played alongside Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo.

He arrives at Liverpool at a time when the club is at a crossroads after Slot failed to sustain the club's position at the summit of English football.

Slot faced the daunting 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 coach started strongly, guiding Liverpool to their 20th English league title in his first season, powered by 29 goals from Salah.

But Slot could not halt Liverpool's slide in the 2025-26 season as the Reds collapsed from the end of September, ending a turbulent campaign without silverware.

The death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota in a car crash last July deeply affected the team, while the £450 million ($605 million) spent on new signings also proved ineffective.

The relationship between Slot and Salah also soured, while Liverpool fans turned against the coach due to the team's lackluster play and poor results.

The club finished the season in fifth place, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, but at least secured a Champions League berth for next season.