Iraola Shares Background Before Taking Charge of Liverpool, Winning Fans' Hearts
On 23 July 2026, Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's new manager, spoke openly during the team's preseason tour in the United States, revealing the background leading up to his appointment as the Reds' head coach.
Liverpool signed Andoni Iraola, who had just ended his contract with Bournemouth, as manager at Anfield shortly after dismissing Arne Slot. The 44-year-old coach admitted he had previously negotiated with other clubs.
Iraola had been linked with several prominent European teams, notably AC Milan of Italy's Serie A, Bayer Leverkusen from Germany's Bundesliga, and Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.
Ultimately, Iraola chose Liverpool, revealing, "Everything happened very quickly. Yes, it's true that I spoke with other clubs."
"I think it was during the first or second week after the season ended when Liverpool contacted me, and I decided to accept without hesitation."
Iraola was Liverpool's primary choice after the club decided to part ways with Arne Slot in late May, following a disappointing season where Liverpool finished 5th in the Premier League and lost 20 matches across all competitions.
Liverpool’s preseason tour in the United States will start with a friendly against Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, 25 July, followed by matches against Wrexham in New York on 29 July and Leeds United in Chicago on 2 August.