Liverpool confirm appointment of Andoni Iraola as head coach on two-year deal

The former Bournemouth boss has signed a two-year contract at Anfield and replaces Dutchman Slot, who was dismissed a year after leading Liverpool to the Premier League title.

The recruitment process was overseen by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who appointed Iraola at Bournemouth in 2023.

“Really excited, really excited,” said Iraola. “Because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world.

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

“You don’t need a lot of things to be attracted to Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.

“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.”

Iraola became available after leaving Bournemouth at the end of an outstanding season with the Cherries, as his contract expired.

The Spaniard secured European football for the first time in Bournemouth’s 127-year history with a sixth-place finish and a place in the Europa League.

They finished just one position and three points behind Liverpool and ended the season with an 18-match unbeaten run.

Iraola began his managerial career in Cyprus with AEK Larnaca and had spells in his native Spain with Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano before joining Bournemouth.