Andoni Iraola has been appointed as Liverpool manager on a three-year contract until June 2028.
Iraola’s move to Liverpool comes after he left Bournemouth at the end of his three-year contract, having led them to a club-historic sixth-placed Premier League finish as they narrowly missed out on the final Champions League spot on the final day to the Reds.
Iraola also oversaw the Cherries’ 18-match unbeaten league run in the second-half of this season underlining Bournemouth’s progress under his reins, which included Eli Junior Kroupi becoming the highest-scoring teenager in his debut Premier League season with 13 goals.
Liverpool consequently viewed Iraola as the ideal manager to succeed Arne Slot who was sacked after a difficult second season – having led the Reds to the Premier League title in his first season in charge, with the Spaniard having signed a three-year contract at Anfield until June 2028.
In his first interview with Liverpoolfc.com, Iraola described himself as “really excited, really excited,” to take up the role at what he considers as a massive club.
“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 bit more of this club, I always thought it’s a special club.
“You don’t need a lot of things to get attracted by 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 proceeded to speak of the importance of feeling various emotions within football that he doesn’t normally feel in normal everyday life away from the matches.
“For me, football is about emotions. About passion.
“I’m quite cool-headed probably, during my life quite rational, I would say. But it’s true that when the game starts, when you have to celebrate a goal, something is inside, no?
“I think this inner energy, you need it as a player, you need it as a supporter, you need it as a coach. No better place than Anfield.”
The Spaniard also iterated his desire to fight for titles during his time at Anfield and work with quality players.
“I think Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles. To win titles.
“Obviously when you arrive at a place, you cannot promise everything. You cannot promise. But it’s true that I understand where I’m coming and what is expected.”
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