Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slott as Liverpool manager, with the former Bournemouth boss establishing himself as one of Europe’s most in-demand head coaches.
Andoni Iraola appointed as new Liverpool manager (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool have announced Andoni Iraola as their new manager. Iraola, 43, replaced Arne Slott in the Anfield dugout on a two-year deal.
The Spaniard moved to Merseyside after three excellent seasons at Bournemouth, with Bournemouth looking to sign him to a new long-term deal. Iraola guided Bournemouth to a record sixth place in the top flight, qualifying for next season’s Europa League and ending their reign on the south coast.
Iraola expressed his excitement to Liverpoolfc.com after the official announcement on Thursday night, saying: “I’m really excited, I’m really excited, because obviously you know about Liverpool and you know it’s a big club, a huge club, one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
“But once you feel inside this club and understand this club a little bit, I always thought it was a special club.
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“You don’t need much to be attracted to Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.”
“But obviously the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the chance to coach top-level players, the chance to compete for titles. I don’t think there’s anything more attractive than that. It’s hard to find that. So I’m really excited to get started.”
Immediately after Liverpool announced they would sack Slott on Saturday following a disastrous second season, Iraola was named as the frontrunner to replace him. The former Rayo Vallecano manager’s representatives held talks with Crystal Palace and German side Bayer Leverkusen before confirming Slott’s departure.
Can Andoni Iraola succeed at Liverpool? Let us know your predictions in the comments section.
Iraola was seen leaving Liverpool’s AXA training center on Thursday (Image: PA Wire)
Iraola’s dynamic and aggressive brand of football promises to appeal to Liverpool’s fan base, who were satisfied with Slott’s style of play. The majority of supporters called for his sacking during the game, which saw the Reds fail to defend their Premier League title, finishing just three points behind Bournemouth.
Liverpool’s bosses had intended to remain in the slot after narrowly qualifying for the Champions League, but plans were drastically changed following an end-of-season forensic review. Iraola will take over the reins ahead of pre-season.
In a statement announcing Slott’s departure, Liverpool’s owners said they believed a change of direction was in the best interest of the team’s trajectory. Iraola will look to match Slott’s feats in his first year as Liverpool claim their 20th English title.
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