Liverpool

Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton says it will be a "strange start" for Andoni Iraola as the new Reds boss, with so many of his players away at the World Cup, but there will still be pressure on him to "hit the ground running".

"Arne Slot winning the league then finishing fifth and that not being enough has put huge pressure on whoever takes over, because it pressurises you coming in as a new manager to get things right straight away," Houghton told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"It will be difficult for him because a lot of players are on World Cup duty. He would love to have his players in as early as possible because he wants to get his mantra and way of playing across to them.

"I think it's going to be a strange start for the new manager, having to deal with players not being there until August. From the fans' point of view, there has to be patience. We can only judge him when he's had time to work with his full squad.

"But he'll have to hit the ground running and make sure he gets what he wants across to his players very quickly.

"Every Liverpool manager is under pressure to challenge for trophies. You're at one of the biggest clubs in world football so there should be that pressure."

• Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

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1)Make Liverpool the fittest team in the country again

Liverpool ran, pressed and fought like warriors at their best under Jurgen Klopp. No team could live with his Reds at their peak, especially at Anfield. That style was based on extreme fitness and teamwork.

But Arne Slot gradually instilled a more controlled, passive style that eventually bored supporters. In almost every game last season, Liverpool were outrun by their opponents. This needs to change - and thankfully Andoni Iraola already prefers an extremely physical tactical set-up, unlike Slot.

2) Create a supply line for Alexander Isak

The most expensive footballer in Premier League history endured a dreadful debut season for Liverpool. Yes, he was injured and unfit for most of it, but when he was on the field, he looked like a shadow of his former self. It was worryingly bad.

Part of the problem was that he didn't link up with his team-mates. Mohamed Salah liked to cut in on his left instead of getting to the byeline, and Cody Gakpo did the same on the other wing. Florian Wirtz also never got close enough to Isak to play the intricate through-balls the Swede thrives on.

Iraola needs to get his attacking players working for Isak's benefit.

3) Establish an emotional connection with the fans

Maybe the biggest one.

Slot was cold, unemotional and complained far too much in news conferences when things weren't going right. He rarely took the blame too, instead citing injuries and suggesting performances were not as bad as they seemed.

As a result, he was accused of gaslighting Liverpool fans.

Iraola needs to learn lessons from Klopp, not his Dutch predecessor. From his first news conference, Klopp promised to turn fans from doubters into believers. With the crowd booing the end of Slot's reign, Iraola will need to do the same.

Fast, exciting football - and some passion when speaking about his team to the media - should help.

What do you think are the key priorities for the new Reds boss?

Let us know here

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The Late Challenge podcast's Gareth Roberts told Radio Merseyside he "liked everything" Andoni Iraola said in his first interview as Liverpool manager.

The Spaniard has signed a two-year deal with the Reds, following the departure of Arne Slot.

Speaking to Radio Merseyside, Roberts said: "I've just watched his first Liverpool interview and it's fair to say that's got me going, he's said all the right things and come out with some cracking lines. He looks genuinely enthusiastic about the job.

"He talks about emotion, passion, and as a Liverpool fan that's all the stuff I want to hear. That's Liverpool's special power and that needs to be embraced.

"Use the power of Anfield, the fact we are passionate as a fanbase and see where we can go."

It wasn't lost on Roberts that Iraola might not of been some fans first choice.

He added: "The obvious manager everyone would have loved is Luis Enrique, but look where he is, look at what he just achieved and imagine how much it would have cost to get him out of there. You'd of had to put a big bag of money in front of him to tempt him to Anfield."

Iraola had a strong final season at Bournemouth, with the side finishing in a Europa League spot. The Cherries upset several sides and Roberts wants Liverpool to offer that same scrappy instinct.

He said: "Bournemouth have been a side that aren't afraid of anyone, that turn up anywhere and land a punch on the chin of the opposition. And that's something I can't wait to see."

Roberts also spoke of Iraola's style of play and how that might be achievable with the current squad: "There are questions about the current squad's suitability to do that but I think one of the good things is he's in, he's through the door and he's able to work with Richard Hughes on who we're going to sign this summer.

"In his interview, one of the first things he talks about is he's glad he's here this early because he wants to work with the academy lads, and have a look at all the lads who have been on loan and I think that's the right message. Could he get a tune out of Harvey Elliott? Or any of the other lads that have been kicking around but didn't really get a go under Arne Slot?"

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Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Gabriel and David Raya have been nominated for the Professional Footballers' Association men's player of the year award alongside Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki.

Midfielder Rice, defender Gabriel and goalkeeper Raya were all key players as Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

Striker Haaland netted 27 goals to end as the division's leading scorer, while Cherki enjoyed a successful first season in the Premier League.

Fernandes won the Football Writers' Association's men's footballer of the year award for the 2025-26 campaign.

The winners will be honoured on Tuesday, 25 August at the 53rd annual PFA Awards Ceremony in Manchester.

Cherki has also been nominated for the PFA young player of the year award, alongside City team-mate and England international Nico O'Reilly, who was named as the Premier League's young player of the season last week.

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, another England international, is also among the nominees after playing a key role in Michael Carrick's side.

Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi is another on the shortlist after he scored 13 goals in 33 matches in his debut Premier League campaign.

Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha, who have represented England at under-19 level, complete the list of nominees thanks to their performances for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.

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We asked for your views on what the first things will be in Andoni Iraola's Liverpool in-tray if he is to make a promising start at Anfield.

Here are some of your comments:

Fraser: Iraola needs to restore our fear factor. Last season we were far too easy to play against. Never mind top sides, even mid-table and even some relegation candidates were outplaying us. Teams were up for taking points off us and we were too passive. Iraola needs to sort out our midfield and stop us being easy to play against, restore our intensity and make teams be scared of facing us again, make Anfield a place to be dreaded for opponents.

Dave: Do for Liverpool what he has done for Bournemouth. Make players better and working as a team, with the added bonus of entertaining football for the fans. The players at the club should all buy in to his methods and reach their full potential as the Bournemouth players did whilst he was there.

KT: Shore up the leaky defence and shocking set-piece defending. Improve the overall drive by the team. As disappointing as the results were last season in too many games there seemed a lack of passion and drive from a large portion of the team on the field. That's the biggest thing that needs to change in my opinion.

Killian: I think the first objective has to be bringing the current crop of players up a level in performance. Most are Premier League winners. Last summer's signings are still excellent players and need to be coached. Small tweaks to the squad after that. Top three aim with good football played.

Caleb: Definitely an improvement from last season so maybe a third-place finish and possibly a trophy. Though I think if we play exciting football I will be happy anywhere in the top four.

John: Iraola's priorities should be: Unite the dressing room. Ensure the entire squad understands its responsibilities to the fanbase. Stress to Edwards and Hughes the importance of recruiting players who fit his style of play like a glove.

Gavin: Iraola needs to sort out the defence and attack, in particular right-back, centre-back and the wide areas. There are enough profiles in midfield to construct another title-winning side.

Jason: Galvanise the team and get them believing in his system, a system that presses, chases down every ball and doesn't give the opposition time to think. He has the players, he needs to re-establish the Liverpool identity and rebuild Fortress Anfield. Man management is key.

Ian: Bringing Harvey Elliott back is a must, he gives his all for the team and would give Alexis Mac Allister some much needed competition. Also, he needs to get the team and fans connected again, something that was lost under Arne Slot.

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Andoni Iraola says he hopes to bring a style of play featuring "intensity" and "aggressiveness" to Liverpool and create a side that makes fans feel properly "represented".

The Spaniard has penned a two-year deal at Anfield and explained: "I think Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles. To win titles. Obviously when you arrive at a place, you cannot promise everything. You cannot promise. But it's true that I understand where I'm coming and what is expected. I'm ready for the challenge.

"I think I have the advantage that I've been here already three years in the Premier League and people for sure have seen Bournemouth play. There are some things that obviously we need to change coaching Liverpool. But I wouldn't like to lose our identity, the intensity, the aggressiveness, the organisation, certain things that I would like always to have in my team. Obviously you have to adapt to the players you have and it's not the same, one club or the other, but there are fundamentals that I also think match quite well [with] what Liverpool has been during a lot of years that I think we can make it work."

Iraola takes the helm following the sacking of Arne Slot, who guided the Reds to the Premier League title in 2024-25.

But the 2025-26 season proved frustrating for the Dutchman, with Liverpool's form and style of play heavily criticised by fans.

Ironically, the campaign started with a thrilling win as Slot's side struck late to beat Iraola's Bournemouth at Anfield.

Discussing what it will be like to manage at Anfied, Iraola recalled: "I've been the other side – I still remember the goal [Federico] Chiesa scored at the end of the first game of the season! We were there with 2-2 thinking that probably we could take something. He scored and the place erupted. It was crazy, no? I want now to feel this from the other side. At the beginning when you arrive at any club, I think you need to kind of prove a little bit yourself. You need to earn the right also to belong. I want to do this as quickly as possible so I can also celebrate with them and I can be part properly of those celebrations.

"Football at the end is about emotion. I understand it's also a privilege but also a big responsibility, because all those people want to be represented properly and we are here for this. I would love from my side, from the players' side, so all those people, [to] identify also with the football, identify with the values of the squad and we are all in for this."

Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande by making contact with German club RB Leipzig, who are determined not to sell the 19-year-old. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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So the news Liverpool fans have been waiting for has been confirmed - Andoni Iraola is the new Reds boss.

After a disappointing season as defending Premier League champions that saw Arne Slot ultimately lose his job, plus key players leaving this summer, the former Bournemouth head coach will have plenty to think about in his new role.

Iraola has said he is "ready for the challenge", but what will be the first things in his Anfield in-tray if he is to get off to a flying start on Merseyside?

Get in touch with your ideas here

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Andoni Iraola says he always thought Liverpool was "a special club", after being confirmed as the new head coach.

The 43-year-old takes charge on a two-year deal, following his departure at the end of his contract at Bournemouth and Arne Slot's recent sacking as Reds manager.

Iraola spent an impressive three campaigns with the Cherries and guided them to their highest Premier League finish this season in sixth, securing Europa League football after an 18-match unbeaten run.

"Really excited, really excited," he told club media. "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."

Iraola is understood to be keen to bring Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, his assistants at Bournemouth, to Anfield as part of his coaching staff.

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We asked for your views on how the squad should be revamped ahead of Andoni Iraola's imminent appointment as Liverpool boss. Specifically we wondered what names would help him implement his style of play.

Here are some of your comments:

Alan: I think Adam Scott is one of the outstanding young players in the Premier League. I've watched him at Bournemouth many times since he arrived there and his composure, stamina, range of clever passing, his dribbling skill, alongside an ability to score goals, makes him a classy midfielder. He's surely going to play for a big club soon - Liverpool should seek to buy him quickly. It would be a smart move.

Nnamugala: A defensive midfielder is most specially needed in this system he plays. If the high press backfires, there needs to be a natural defensive person to help out before chaos. It's unlikely he'll trust Wataru Endo for this, but if he can, he's a good fit there. Other areas can be filled in perhaps, but think this should be top priority. If it's not, then Ryan Gravenberch's instructions have got to change, because seemingly he's sort of an eight, loves going forward, yet there's no one to stay there.

James: I would look to bring in Julian Alvarez but as a right forward. His pressing would help Liverpool. To lower the price with Atletico Madrid, trade in Alexis Mac Allister as we will need a new midfield who can cover more ground.

Ian: Bring back Harry Wilson! He left the club after many years without really making the impression he could have. He learned his trade elsewhere and was truly a standout performer for Fulham last season. He has all the attributes now to make himself a cult figure for Liverpool under the new attack-minded management team.

Vinny: Liverpool should look to strengthen key areas of the squad this summer. Nico Schlotterbeck would be an excellent addition at centre-back, while Joaquin Seys could provide valuable cover at right-back given the injury concerns surrounding Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez. In midfield, Mateus Fernandes would add energy and quality. Further forward, Liverpool should target Yan Diomande and Nico Williams, both of whom would bring pace, directness and attacking threat. With Hugo Ekitike currently injured, a loan move for Endrick could be an ideal short-term solution until he returns to full fitness.

Ken: I'd bring in Kayode at right-back - he has an engine, very good fitness record, is Premier-League ready, and would also bring with him one of the best long throws (an area of the game that Liverpool need to develop). Lamine Camara and Mamadou Sangare in midfield. Both are dynamic and would bring a fine balance to the squad. Yan Diomande, Jarrod Bowen, Bradley Barcola/ Crysencio Summerville in the forward positions. Pace and intensity in transitions is needed and these players would bring that in abundance. I believe they would transform this Liverpool squad after a proper pre-season to set a high base level of fitness with the remaining squad. However, it would require an outlay of around £300m to bring in the aforementioned players but that could be partially offset by sales starting with the likes of Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister. The wages of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate are off the books so will create sufficient space in the budget. I hope Richard Hughes is reading this!

Ian Mitchelmore
BBC Sport Wales

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Lewis Koumas spent the first half of the 2025-26 season on loan at Birmingham City - where he featured 25 times across all competitions, scoring one goal.

His stint with Hull in the second half of the campaign proved more fruitful as Koumas netted three times in 19 appearances in all competitions to help the Tigers gain promotion into the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

On Hull's post-Wembley celebrations, Koumas said: "It's one of the best days of my life for sure and memories that will stay with me forever.

"I'm really happy with the way my development's going.

"It's been a good two years. I think I've played nearly 110 games now so I'm just really happy with how it's going and just excited for what's next."

The teenager's parent club Liverpool confirmed the sacking of boss Arne Slot on Saturday, 30 May.

But Koumas does not believe the departure of the Dutchman will impact his immediate future - with the likelihood that he will once again leave Anfield on loan.

"I don't really think the plan changes for me," he said.

"It's just going to be how it's always been, to just keep my head down, keep working hard, and if I impress, I impress. So let's see what happens."

Read more on the forward here

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Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says making a managerial change was the "best way" for the Reds to move forward but he holds concerns over whether Andoni Iraola will have the right players at his disposal to suit his high-intensity style of play.

Murphy thinks fans will now approach the season with "excitement, rather than fear", with Iraola's appointment imminent.

However, the former midfielder added that he wonders if Iraola's Reds "will be able to play high-intensity football every few days because that will require a certain level of fitness - which we saw with Jurgen Klopp's teams with the flying full-backs, the midfield dynamism and the work-rate of the attackers.

"It's difficult to see how to create that with what he's got at the moment so the summer transfer window is huge for Liverpool in that respect.

"The current squad lacks legs and dynamism and isn't filled with brilliant players off the ball."

So, with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson departing, who should Liverpool pursue in the transfer market to suit Iraola and add the "legs and dynamism" Murphy highlights? Essentially, how would you revamp the squad if you were in charge? Give us names.

Get in touch with your views here

Listen to BBC Sport's Aadam Patel on Iraola's style below and access more Liverpool audio here

Prudent Nsengiyumva
Sport journalist

Moving from a successful Premier League side to a so-called 'big-six' club is sometimes seen as the natural next step for a manager.

So will Andoni Iraola, who has reached a verbal agreement with Liverpool, be able to make the step up from Bournemouth after finishing, ironically, in sixth place with the Cherries?

The data suggests it is one of the toughest transitions in the game - with short tenures, mixed results and no major silverware won by a manager taking that step within the Premier League.

For managers who earn a move to one of the Premier League's biggest clubs, the opportunity can arrive quickly. So too can the scrutiny.

The most consistent pattern is how short those spells tend to be. Of the managers BBC Sport has analysed, the majority failed to last two full seasons, with several dismissed before completing their first campaign.

• Read more on the 'big-six' leap

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We asked for your views on what success would look like for Liverpool next season under Andoni Iraola, who has a verbal agreement to succeed Arne Slot as head coach.

Here are some of your comments:

David: A successful season for me would be Champions League qualification with some better-looking football and players looking like they're giving their all for the club. I'd take that over a bunch of drab, flukey 1-0 wins which may earn an extra point or two.

Mike: Success this coming season would mean playing again with flair, heart and passion. Even in the trophy-winning season of 2024-25, Liverpool had become boring. The 2025-26 campaign was one to forget, lacking intensity and belief in the badge. The squad is going through upheaval, but challenging for the league, making Anfield impregnable and winning a trophy is a must. If the new style is front-foot, passionate and played with belief, the support will drive them further on.

Elliot: It will be refreshing to see an all-out attack, pressing style of football again. I think success will be a top-three finish, a deep run in the Champions League and maybe a cup final. Will just be happy to see an improvement from a dismal campaign.

Ben: Just better football on a consistent basis would represent a step up from the past 18 months, with Champions League qualification hopefully coming as a result of that.

Jim: In reality, although I hate to say it, I think a decent run in the cups and Champions League qualification for the following year is probably a successful season. That, and actually getting the team to play football again rather than the rubbish that we saw this season. I still think sorting out the defence is going to be the biggest issue, which could hamper any proposed success.

John: Any improvement on fifth in 2026-27 would be success. And if Iraola can achieve that with the style of football we were familiar with under Jurgen Klopp, it will feel like we are getting our identity back. I'm excited to see what he can do for us and for the younger players in the squad. I know he only signed for two years but I think that's a trial run and the real contract will come some time in 2028 when he has a real chance to build a legacy at Liverpool Football Club. I'd love to see him in the job for 10 years. Liverpool do well with that type of continuity.

Tony: Attractive, attacking, aggressive, front-foot, pressing football with a top-four finish, a quarter or semi-final appearance in the Champions League, and win a domestic trophy. That would be a great first season. But the bare minimum is top four in the Premier League, playing heavy-metal football and still being in with a chance of the title in May.

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

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Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy feels the Reds will be in a much better position next season with Andoni Iraola than they were under Arne Slot.

"I'm quite excited because after watching Bournemouth play, there's no reason to think he's not going to try to play the same way - in terms of being courageous and on the front foot, and trying to press teams with high energy and play attacking football," Murphy said.

"When a fanbase becomes disillusioned with a manager and his style of play - and then start turning on him - you're delaying the inevitable. I do believe Liverpool are better placed now.

"Bringing in Iraola was the best option because the fans go into a new campaign with hope and excitement, rather than fear. You do not want to start the season with the players feeling the anxiety from the outset, and this was the best way for Liverpool to do it."

Managers have often struggled to make the step up in the Premier League in the past, the most recent example when Thomas Frank joined Tottenham from Brentford.

But will Iraola - who moved to Bournemouth from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano - succeed where others have not?

"I do have a couple of reservations because he's never managed a club of this size before and he will be a little bit surprised at how intrusive it will be on his life when you manage Liverpool," added Murphy, who is a Match of the Day pundit and BBC Sport columnist.

"Even as a player, that changes overnight because it's one of the biggest clubs in the world and everything you do will be scrutinised and talked about, locally and globally.

"The only other reservation is whether he will be able to play high-intensity football every few days because that will require a certain level of fitness - which we saw with Jurgen Klopp's teams with the flying full-backs, the midfield dynamism and the work-rate of the attackers.

"It's difficult to see how to create that with what he's got at the moment so the summer transfer window is huge for Liverpool in that respect. The current squad lacks legs and dynamism and isn't filled with brilliant players off the ball."

Read more here

Tom Jordan
Bournemouth fan writer

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Liverpool fans should feel a sense of enthusiasm at the possible arrival of new head coach Andoni Iraola, as he excelled in his role at Bournemouth - transforming the Cherries into one of the most impressive and offensive sides in the Premier League.

The red half of Merseyside can be excited with Iraola's brand of football, as it bears significant resemblance to that of former gaffer Jurgen Klopp. Bournemouth were consistently ranked among the league's best for pressing metrics, high turnovers and physical output, whilst attacking with speed and purpose rather than prolonged possession.

Alternatively, one might ponder whether Andoni could keep up this intensity throughout a season involving many more gruelling fixtures - including the Champions League.

The campaign that has just finished was actually the first time an Iraola side gained more points in the second half of a campaign when compared to the first. He certainly was able to adapt and preserve energy more this time around, as his relentless and aggressive football can definitely equate to some burnout within the squad.

For Andoni, it probably feels the right move at the right time.

He's consistently punched above his weight, not just at Bournemouth but at Rayo Vallecano previously too. He deserves an opportunity at one of the most elite clubs - and what better fit than Liverpool, a club and fanbase who'll undoubtedly relish his brand of football.

He has consistently improved every team he has coached, and now it's time for him to see if he can flourish under more pressure and expectations.

Every single Bournemouth fan was gutted to see him go, but this fit makes a lot of sense. Tactically and philosophically, there are very few coaches that appear more aligned with what Liverpool's hierarchy are ultimately seeking.

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