Liverpool Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Spanish manager will replace Arne Slot, who left the club on Saturday, May 30, following what the club described as an underwhelming season that ended with Liverpool finishing fifth in the Premier League after entering the campaign as defending champions.
Slot had begun his second season with high expectations after guiding the Reds to the league title in his debut campaign. However, inconsistent performances saw the club drop out of the title race, prompting a review by the Liverpool hierarchy and an eventual decision to part ways with the Dutchman.
Iraola, who previously managed Bournemouth, had already indicated he would be ending his tenure with the English side at the close of the season. Liverpool quickly identified him as their top target, with an agreement reached shortly after Slot’s departure.
In a statement on the club’s official website, Liverpool confirmed:
“Liverpool FC can confirm Andoni Iraola has agreed a deal to become the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.
“The 43-year-old will take up the helm at Anfield to succeed Arne Slot, who departed The Reds on Saturday.”
Speaking after his appointment, Iraola expressed excitement about taking charge of the Merseyside club.
“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,” he said.
He added that his deeper understanding of the club had reinforced his decision:
“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.”
