Liverpool has appointed former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola as their new manager on a two-year contract. The appointment, confirmed on Thursday, June 4, follows the sacking of Arne Slot six days prior.
The 43-year-old Basque manager was identified as the ideal candidate for the club's preferred playing style. Although Liverpool considered other candidates, including Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart and Pierre Sage of Lens, Iraola was the only individual spoken to about the vacancy. He had also been sought after by Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen, and Milan.
Iraola, who left Bournemouth at the end of the season, previously worked with Richard Hughes at the club. In a statement, he expressed his excitement to start, noting that the club's atmosphere, supporters, and the chance to coach top-level players while fighting for titles made the opportunity highly attractive.