LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle with Andoni Iraola to become the club’s new head coach following advanced discussions over the last 48 hours.
The formal steps are underway for the former Bournemouth manager to take charge of the Anfield project, following the sacking of Arne Slot on Saturday after a frustrating Premier League title defense.
Okay News reports that the structural negotiations are being spearheaded by Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes. Hughes famously headhunted and appointed Iraola at Bournemouth in 2023, where the Spanish tactician enjoyed immense success, recently guiding the Cherries to a historic sixth-place finish and a UEFA Europa League qualification spot.
Liverpool’s hierarchy prioritized finding a manager whose tactical philosophy aligns with a high-intensity, aggressive pressing game. While Slot’s possession-oriented approach secured the club’s 20th league title in 2025, a subsequent dip to a fifth-place finish this season prompted ownership to execute a decisive course correction back toward a quick, attacking style of football.
Club legend Jamie Carragher expressed some caution regarding the impending appointment, noting that while Iraola’s aggressive off-the-ball structures are exactly what the squad needs, managing the heavy schedule of the UEFA Champions League represents a completely new elite hurdle for the Spaniard. Formal contract details are expected to be finalized before the end of the week, after which Iraola will begin restructuring his backroom coaching staff ahead of the pre-season tour.
