The Spaniard was identified as the club’s preferred candidate shortly after Slot’s dismissal last weekend, with Liverpool moving swiftly to secure his services ahead of the new season. While the club did not reveal the length of his contract, reports indicate that the 43-year-old has agreed to a two-year deal.
Iraola arrives at Anfield after an impressive spell with Bournemouth, where he guided the club to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and secured its first-ever qualification for European competition.
Speaking after his appointment, the former Bournemouth boss expressed his excitement at taking charge of one of football’s most historic clubs.
“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 said.
“But feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club, I always thought it was 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.”
Liverpool supporters will hope Iraola’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter after a turbulent season that ended without silverware. The Spaniard is known for his high-energy, attacking style of football, a philosophy that has drawn comparisons with former manager Jurgen Klopp’s successful approach.
Before joining Bournemouth in 2023 from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, Iraola managed Mirandés and AEK Larnaca. During his time on the south coast, Bournemouth steadily improved, climbing from 12th place to ninth and then sixth under his leadership.
His reputation has also been strengthened by his ability to develop young players and implement effective tactical systems, qualities Liverpool believe can help restore the club’s competitiveness.
Addressing the club’s supporters, Iraola vowed to build a strong bond with the fanbase.
“I can only say (to the fans) that I want to become one more of you; I want to earn the right to be one of you so we can enjoy it all together,” he said.
He now takes over a Liverpool side seeking to recover from a difficult campaign. Slot, who succeeded Klopp in 2024, enjoyed immediate success by guiding the Reds to a record-equalling 20th English league title in his first season.
However, Liverpool’s fortunes declined sharply during the 2025/26 campaign as the team struggled for consistency and eventually finished fifth in the league, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
The season was further overshadowed by the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident last July, while several expensive signings failed to make the desired impact.
Despite securing qualification for next season’s Champions League, Liverpool’s hierarchy opted for a managerial change, placing their trust in Iraola to lead the club back into contention for major honours.