Andoni Iraola is poised to be unveiled as Liverpool’s new manager after productive talks at the club’s training ground on Thursday. Iraola was spotted leaving Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre on Thursday after meeting with club chiefs.
He is available after stepping down as Bournemouth manager at the end of the 2025/26 season – and after resisting interest from Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
Liverpool made the surprise decision to sack Arne Slot on Saturday after conducting a review of a poor campaign in which they finished fifth in the Premier League and went without any silverware. Slot was blindsided by the call, which was made by sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group chief Michael Edwards.
Hughes was key in the appointment of Iraola while at Bournemouth and it is understood that the decision to sack Slot was influenced by the Spaniard’s availability. The 43-year-old made it clear he was keen on the role and verbally agreed to take the role on Tuesday.
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Iraola flew back to Merseyside on Thursday for more detailed talks and there is nothing standing in the way of a quick appointment. He is expected to sign a two-year contract with Liverpool and wants Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper and Tom Webber to join him on his coaching staff.
Iraola is fresh off an 18-game unbeaten run with Bournemouth, which propelled them to sixth in the Premier League and a place in the Europa League. His work with the Cherries was all the more impressive given the number of top players the club sold.
There is a major rebuilding job needed at Liverpool following the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate. Salah has been open in his criticism of Slot’s playing style and Iraola will be tasked with bringing back a style more akin to Jurgen Klopp’s.
View 2 ImagesAndoni Iraola has concluded talks with Liverpool(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
“We have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward,” Liverpool’s statement after sacking Slot said.
“The conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.”
In May, Salah wrote on social media: “I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies.
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“That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good. It cannot be negotiable and everyone that joins this club should adapt to it.”
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