Liverpool have officially announced the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, after working quickly to put a deal in place following the sacking of Arne Slot.
The 43-year-old became the club’s first choice to replace Slot, after the management at Anfield was impressed by his success with Bournemouth – whom he led to Europa League qualification.
Read: Tried his hand at Andoni Iraola as Kasper Hjulmand replaces
We revealed on June 2 that Iraola had given an official “yes” to joining Liverpool. Now he is ready to lead the club into an exciting new era.
“Very excited”
Iraola has signed a two-year contract with Liverpool and will receive funding from Fenway Sports Group to put together a squad he believes can compete for trophies both nationally and in Europe.
“Very excited, very excited,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.
“You know about Liverpool – you know it’s a big club, a huge club, one of the biggest in the world. But when I get inside and understand this club a little more, I’ve always thought it’s a special club.
“You don’t need a lot of things to be attracted to Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool. But the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the opportunity for me to coach top players, the opportunity to fight for titles – I think it can’t be more attractive than this. It’s hard to find the same. So I’m very excited to start.
Liverpool give Iraola five key signings
The focus for Liverpool will now shift to the transfer window. TEAMtalk insider Graeme Bailey believes Iraola will try to bring in at least five new signings in key positions.
“I’ve been told that Liverpool’s transfer plans won’t change much,” Bailey explained.
“They know what they need: a replacement for Mohamed Salah, at least one central midfielder, full-backs – both left and right – and, in an ideal world, also an extra centre-back.
“Sporting director Richard Hughes knows what Iraola likes. I expect to see some of the decisions become more aligned with the Spaniard’s style, but it’s not a big change in mindset.
The alliance that decided
Sources believe that the alliance between Hughes and Iraola is one of the biggest reasons why the Spaniard became the preferred candidate – and that the club, for example, chose not to make a move for Xabi Alonso.
“That’s part of the point,” Bailey added.
“Iraola is probably more in tune with Hughes and Liverpool’s recruitment team. That’s the way of thinking, as I’ve been told.
Liverpool’s management is also said to be very impressed with the former Bournemouth boss – both personally and professionally.
“I would say Liverpool are happy with how the negotiations have gone,” Bailey continued.
“Iraola is everything they expected. It is Hughes who gets his man. I’ve heard that owners FSG and Michael Edwards are very impressed with him. They truly believe that this is a fantastic match.
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