Iraola hails Slot's Champions League legacy as he takes charge at Liverpool

Andoni Iraola has been appointed Liverpool head coach on a two-year deal, stepping into the role vacated by Arne Slot after the Dutchman was dismissed following a fifth-place Premier League finish that nonetheless secured Champions League qualification for next season.

Speaking in his first interview since putting pen to paper on Thursday, Iraola was generous in his assessment of the man he replaces. “Massive respect for Arne, massive respect,” he said. “He’s been a Premier League champion and this is something that is massive, especially for a club like Liverpool.”

Slot had addressed his departure in an open letter earlier in the week, noting that guiding Liverpool back into the Champions League spots — despite a turbulent campaign — represented “an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond.” Iraola echoed that sentiment, acknowledging that the opportunity to manage in the Champions League for the first time is a significant draw.

“The Champions League, I had the chance to play it just once as a player,” Iraola said. “I’m looking forward to playing it for the first time as a coach. Big demands, also big chances to face the best teams in Europe and see where we are.”

Iraola arrives at Anfield with a strong reputation built during his time at Bournemouth, where he developed players including Antoine Semenyo, Dean Huijsen, Iliya Zabarnyi and Liverpool’s own Milos Kerkez before each moved on for substantial fees. His deliberate preference for shorter contracts — which he believes sustains his hunger to keep developing as a coach — means the two-year arrangement at Liverpool is consistent with his established approach.

Familiarity with the squad will not be an issue. Iraola regularly studied Liverpool as part of his preparation at Bournemouth, and he says that knowledge gives him a head start. “For me, it’s much easier to continue in the Premier League in terms of knowing the squad. We’ve analysed Liverpool a lot — possible weaknesses, the strengths. I think we have a very good squad.”

Rather than signalling an immediate overhaul, Iraola struck a conciliatory tone toward the players already at the club. “For me, and I will tell them, they are all new signings,” he said — a framing designed to reset relationships and give every member of the current squad a clean slate under his management.

Work remains to be done before the new season, Iraola acknowledged, but his priority for now is to assess what he already has at his disposal before making any further decisions on recruitment.