Liverpool name Andoni Iraola head coach, replacing Arne Slot - ESPN

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new coach following the dismissal of Arne Slot, the club announced Thursday.

Iraola moves to Anfield following a successful three-year stint at AFC Bournemouth, who he guided to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season.

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The 43-year-old has signed a two-year-contract, sources told ESPN, which aligns with his preference across his coaching career for signing short deals.

«You don't need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool,» Iraola told the club's website.

«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's appointment comes after Slot was removed from his role Saturday after two seasons in charge.

The former Feyenoord boss led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season at the club in 2024-25 but was unable to replicate that success this term, with the club finishing the campaign in fifth place.

Sources told ESPN that Iraola quickly emerged as the leading candidate to replace Slot and, as such, he was the only person interviewed for the job. Liverpool once tried to sign the Basque as a player and have admired his career from afar, having previously assessed him as a potential long-term replacement for Jürgen Klopp four years ago when he was at Rayo Vallecano.

Liverpool, sources added, have also been impressed by Iraola's ability to transform Bournemouth into one of the