Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new manager. Iraola, 43, has replaced Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout, signing a two-year contract. The Spaniard moves to Merseyside after three impressive seasons at Bournemouth, who attempted to tie him down to a new long-term contract. Iraola ended his reign on the south coast by guiding Bournemouth to sixth place, their highest ever top-flight finish which earned them a spot in next season’s Europa League. Iraola expressed his excitement after being officially unveiled on Thursday evening, telling Liverpoolfc.com: “Really excited, really excited. 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.”
Shortly after Liverpool announced that they’d sack Slot on Saturday following a dismal second season, Iraola was installed as the red-hot favourite to replace him. The former Rayo Vallecano boss’ representatives held talks with Crystal Palace as well as German side Bayer Leverkusen prior to confirmation of Slot’s departure.
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