Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach after sacking Arne Slot.
Liverpool have confirmed their new head coach for 2026, with Andoni Iraola set to take over following the departure of Arne Slot.
The announcement comes after Slot’s sacking, which followed Liverpool’s lowest Premier League points total since the 2015-16 season, despite securing a Champions League spot.
Iraola, currently at Bournemouth, will join the Reds next year after completing his first season in charge of the Cherries.
Iraola leaves Bournemouth on a high, having guided them to their best-ever league finish—sixth place—just one position and three points behind Liverpool.
That achievement earned Bournemouth a Europa League place for the 2024-25 season.
Earlier this year, he had already announced his intention to leave the club this summer, with speculation linking him to Crystal Palace and AC Milan before Liverpool emerged as his next destination.
The new Liverpool boss is expected to bring two of his assistants from Bournemouth, Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, to Anfield as part of his coaching team.
His appointment signals a fresh start for the club, which aims to restore energy and competitiveness in the squad ahead of the new campaign.
The club will officially unveil him in the coming days once the deal is finalized.
Slot’s time at Liverpool began with a Premier League title but ended with his dismissal, despite still qualifying for the Champions League.
His departure reflects the club’s high standards and intolerance for underperformance, even when European football is secured.
The contrast between his early success and recent struggles highlights the pressure on Iraola to deliver immediate improvements.
Liverpool fans are hoping Iraola can re-energize the team after last season’s inconsistent form.
The new manager faces immediate pressure to produce better results, with expectations high following his strong record at Bournemouth.
His arrival marks a clear shift in leadership strategy as the club looks to bounce back in the coming seasons.