Liverpool Announce Andoni Iraola As New Manager Soccer

[Best]

Arne Slot has been sacked as Liverpool head coach.

The decision has been taken by owner Fenway Sports Group after a dismal season saw Liverpool finish fifth in the Premier League with just 60 points, their lowest total for a decade.

It brings to an end the Dutchman's two-year reign since he was appointed as Jurgen Klopp's successor in the summer of 2024.

Initially, the transition was seamless as the former Feyenoord boss surpassed all expectations in leading Liverpool to Premier League title glory in his first season at the helm.

However, their fortunes nosedived in 2025-26 with 19 defeats in all competitions, with 12 league losses in comparison to only four the term before.

"That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying," a joint statement from Liverpool's owner's read on Saturday.

"The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful.

"At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward.

"We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool's 20th league title.

"That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.

"He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.

"As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come.

"Nevertheless, 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."

 

[Best]

I wonder if Iraola will be announced as the next manager?

 

[Welshy]

Optimists in the Liverpool circles have it in their heads that Enrique is going to leave PSG after today and go to them

 

[Recycling Bin]

Wow, actually didn't expect that. I thought they would give him more time. He had some terrible luck, starting with the Jota tragedy, and they never really recovered.

Andoni Iraola would be the obvious choice given his availability (unless Klopp is coming back!).

Hopefully, not Stevie G!

 

[Dylan]

Yeah, they had a poor season but I don't think that alone warranted the sack. I think there must have been stuff going on behind the scenes - I know Mo Salah had a few outbursts but had Slot lost the dressing room?

 

[Tom]

I cannot say I'm surprised. Yes, he won the title in his first season, but it was basically Klopp's team. He then spent over £400m in the summer and somehow made the team worse. I don't think he was the right manager for Liverpool in the first place - you've got to be an established manager for the biggest teams in the Premier League, not someone who has had a good season in the Belgian, Portuguese, or similar level leagues.

Honestly, I'm not sure who they should go for. Andoni Iraola has done a great job at Bournemouth, but can he manage a big club?

 

[Bad Gizmo]

You walk out under that famous sign in the Anfield tunnel, and you feel a mix of emotions.

Responsibility, of course. To this club's great history.

Expectation, naturally. To honour the legacy that, for 134 years, has made Liverpool FC one of the biggest clubs in world football.

And determination. To compete. To win. To bring success to an Anfield crowd so renowned across the globe.

That all of those emotions would culminate in a Premier League title after just 12 months was beyond special. It was not only a trophy, but a reward for the hard work, sacrifice and commitment shown by so many people throughout the club.

It was made even more meaningful because you got to enjoy it with us. Singing our songs, cheering the goals. And on the day we lifted the trophy, you were there. Lining the streets outside the stadium, filling Anfield in anticipation.

Having had much of that taken from you in 2020, it was never lost on me how much it mattered that you were part of it all. Seeing you come together in your hundreds of thousands on the streets of Liverpool for the title celebrations only reinforced that idea.

What followed on Water Street later that day was shocking and my thoughts remain with all of those affected. I was privileged to witness first-hand your spirit of compassion and unity. It is a spirit that has carried this city through difficult moments before, and one that I hope will help bring the justice and accountability so many have campaigned for over many years.

That only weeks after celebrating together we would lose Diogo is indescribable. More than anything, I want to remember a team-mate, a friend and an incredible human being who touched the lives of thousands of you every time he wore this club's famous crest.

In one of the most difficult moments this club has faced, the love, compassion and support shown by the Liverpool family was extraordinary. As I leave this club, it would be remiss of me not to say that the way you honoured Diogo and stood together in his memory will stay with me forever.

The connection we share goes beyond football, beyond European nights under the Anfield lights or the sound of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' being sung from The Kop.

You made me feel welcome from the start and helped me on the path. That is something I cherish.

Of course, it is important to say thank you.

To the players who wore the badge with pride while representing this club across the world. To the staff - not only those on the training ground - but those behind the scenes, whether maintaining the pitches at Anfield or working in the canteen at the training ground.

To the club hierarchy and ownership for your trust and direction. To the legends who supported me and impressed upon me the importance of The Liverpool Way.

It has been a pleasure working with you all.

Liverpool's 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history. For that we should all be proud.

This club will always judge itself by the biggest honours. That is how it should be.

But I also leave knowing the club is exactly where it belongs: amongst Europe's elite. Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond.

I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead. The players who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure.

At the same time, a new generation is emerging, ready to write its own story and embrace the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.

Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.

When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it.

Arne

Arne Slot writes open letter to the ECHO as he says farewell to Liverpool

EXCLUSIVE: In his final message to Liverpool fans after leaving the club, Arne Slot writes an open letter in the ECHO

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

That's a good letter. Shame it didn't work out, I genuinely hope he's successful somewhere else soon.

 

[BlackEyed Pete]

If it is Iraola, I wonder how his coaching style and how he might fit into the club's vision. His track record suggests he could bring a fresh perspective and new strategies to the team, but how will he cope with the demands of a big club and playing football midweek, then weekend due to Champions League football?

I'm also puzzled as to why he left Bournemouth.

 

[BlackEyed Pete]

Liverpool has reached a verbal agreement with Andoni Iraola to make him their new head coach.

Iraola quickly emerged as the clear favourite to take over at Anfield after Saturday's departure of Arne Slot.

The Spaniard, 43, can be expected to join on a two-year contract, in line with both of the deals he signed while in charge of Bournemouth.

Iraola leaves the South Coast Club when his terms expire at the end of this month, and work continues on the make-up of his backroom staff.

 

[Best]

Liverpool has officially appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach. Iraola, known for his tactical acumen and ability to inspire players, steps into a role that carries high expectations. His appointment signals Liverpool's intent to revitalise their performance and push for success in the upcoming season.