Liverpool appoint Iraola as head coach

Liverpool has appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, signing the 43-year-old Spaniard to a two-year contract. The move follows the recent sacking of Arne Slot, who guided the team to the Premier League title last season.

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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.

Iraola joins Liverpool after a successful tenure at Bournemouth, where he achieved the club's highest-ever top-flight finish, securing sixth place. This performance placed Bournemouth just one position and three points behind Liverpool, earning them a spot in next season's Europa League. Iraola had announced in April his intention to leave Bournemouth this summer, with speculation linking him to other clubs like Crystal Palace and AC Milan.

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But feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club, I always thought it’s a special club.

"Really excited, really excited," Iraola stated about the move to Merseyside. "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 added that understanding the club more deeply reveals its special nature. The atmosphere, supporters, players, and the chance to compete for titles were key attractions.

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You don’t need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.

The decision to appoint Iraola was driven by Liverpool's leadership, including Michael Edwards, the Fenway Sports Group chief executive of football, and sporting director Richard Hughes. They sought to implement a more "front-foot, aggressive and urgent style of football." Iraola's previous connection with Hughes, who was Bournemouth's technical director before joining Liverpool, likely played a role in the appointment.

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But obviously the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the chance for me to coach top-level players, the chance to fight for titles. I think it cannot be more attractive than this. It’s difficult to find it. So, really excited to start.