Liverpool Signs Andoni Iraola as New Head Coach on Two-year Deal
WHO:
The New York Times - Andoni Iraola is 43 years old.
The New York Times - Iñaki Ibáñez is Iraola's agent.
Daily Mail Sports - Andoni Iraola appointed as Liverpool's new head coach.
The New York Times - Arne Slot was the previous head coach of Liverpool.
The New York Times - Richard Hughes is the sporting director of Liverpool.
The New York Times - Marco Rose has replaced Iraola as Bournemouth's head coach.
WHAT:
The Athletic - Andoni Iraola's contract with Liverpool is a two-year deal, which he requested due to his preference for shorter contracts.
The Guardian - Liverpool's approach for Iraola was expedited due to interest from Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and Crystal Palace.
Daily Mail Sports - Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group CEO of football Michael Edwards conducted a review into the team's performance under Slot, leading to the decision to appoint Iraola.
The New York Times - Liverpool finished the 2025-26 Premier League season with 60 points, their lowest total in a decade, and qualified for the Champions League in fifth place after losing 12 league games.
The New York Times - Iraola's contract with Liverpool is a two-year deal at his request.
The New York Times - Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group CEO of football Michael Edwards conducted a review into the team's performance under Slot.
The New York Times - Iraola's two-year contract with Liverpool ties him to the club until the end of the 2027/28 season.
The Guardian - Liverpool's approach for Iraola was led by sporting director Richard Hughes, who also appointed him at Bournemouth in 2023.
The Guardian - Liverpool considered other coaches, including Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Pierre Sage of Lens, but Iraola was always their favored option.
Daily Mail Sports - Iraola signed a two-year deal with Liverpool.
The New York Times - Liverpool confirmed the appointment of Iraola as head coach.
The New York Times - Slot was sacked after two seasons at Liverpool.
The New York Times - Liverpool finished the 2025-26 Premier League season in fifth place with 60 points, their lowest total in a decade.
The New York Times - Iraola led Bournemouth to a Europa League finish last season, just three points behind Liverpool.
WHERE:
Daily Mail Sports - Liverpool is located at Anfield.
The New York Times - Iraola flew into Liverpool from San Sebastian.
WHEN:
The New York Times - Slot was sacked on a Saturday.
The New York Times - Liverpool appointed Iraola ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The New York Times - Slot was appointed in May 2024.
WHY:
The New York Times - Liverpool wanted a more aggressive style of play following Slot's departure.
The New York Times - Iraola was chosen for his ability to develop players and his successful track record at Bournemouth.
HOW:
The New York Times - Iraola intends to bring assistants Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber, and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre from Bournemouth to Liverpool.
The New York Times - Liverpool has not confirmed any appointments to Iraola's backroom staff as the process is ongoing.
The New York Times - Iraola intends to bring assistants Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber, and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre from Bournemouth to Liverpool.
The Guardian - Formal talks with Iraola and his agent, Iñaki Ibáñez, opened earlier in the week and advanced smoothly, aided by Iraola's clear preference for Liverpool.
The New York Times - Iraola's appointment followed a verbal agreement after Slot's sacking.
The New York Times - Liverpool approached Iraola as the only candidate for the head coach position.
(UPDATED June 5, 2026 15:52 UTC)
Liverpool has officially signed Andoni Iraola to a two-year contract, a term he requested due to his preference for shorter agreements, following an expedited approach due to interest from clubs like Milan and Bayer Leverkusen. The decision to appoint Iraola came after a review of the team's performance under Slot, with Liverpool finishing the 2025-26 Premier League season with 60 points, their lowest total in a decade, yet still managing to qualify for the Champions League in fifth place. Iraola plans to bring several assistants from Bournemouth, including Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, although Liverpool has yet to confirm any appointments to his backroom staff as the process continues.
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(UPDATED June 5, 2026 08:17 UTC)
Andoni Iraola, who is 43 years old, has signed a two-year contract with Liverpool at his own request, with Iñaki Ibáñez serving as his agent. Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group CEO of football Michael Edwards recently conducted a review of the team's performance under Slot. As part of his new role, Iraola plans to bring along assistants Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber, and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre from Bournemouth.
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(UPDATED June 4, 2026 23:22 UTC)
Liverpool has officially signed Iraola to a two-year contract that will keep him with the club until the end of the 2027/28 season. The move was spearheaded by sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously appointed Iraola at Bournemouth in 2023, and despite considering other candidates, Iraola remained their top choice. Formal discussions with Iraola and his agent progressed quickly, largely due to Iraola's strong desire to join Liverpool.
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(UPDATED June 4, 2026 21:28 UTC)
Liverpool has officially appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, signing him to a two-year deal following the departure of Arne Slot, who was sacked after two seasons. Iraola, who previously led Bournemouth to a Europa League finish, was chosen for his successful track record and ability to develop players, as Liverpool seeks a more aggressive style of play. In a swift move, the club approached Iraola as their sole candidate for the position, confirming his appointment ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 season.