Andoni Iraola has admitted he is “excited” to work with “top-level players” after being appointed as Liverpool’s new head coach on Thursday evening.
The Reds had been searching for a replacement for Arne Slot after the club decided to sack the Dutchman last month. Soon after, Iraola emerged as the leading contender to become their next coach, following an impressive three-year spell at Bournemouth, where he helped them record a sixth-place finish last season.
Although some felt Iraola should remain at Bournemouth ahead of their first European campaign, he decided to leave and has since sealed a move to Liverpool as Slot’s successor.
Iraola, 43, has signed a two-year contract at Anfield, which aligns with his preference across his coaching career for signing short deals, as he also did at Bournemouth.
Speaking for the first time after his appointment as Liverpool’s head coach, Iraola expressed his delight about moving to Anfield and is eager to get started.
“Really excited, really excited,” he told Liverpoolfc.com. “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.”
Despite having an underwhelming 2025/26 season, the Reds still managed to finish fifth in the Premier League and secure qualification for the Champions League.
While some may not expect Iraola to hit the ground running – as he didn’t do in his previous two jobs at Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano – the ex-Athletic Bilbao boss is keen to win “titles” on Merseyside.
When asked about his ambitions during his time as Liverpool head coach, Iraola added: “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. I’m ready for the challenge.”