Andoni Iraola has officially begun his tenure as Liverpool head coach, embarking on a pre-season tour of the United States with his squad following his summer appointment. Speaking from the team's base in Chicago, the 44-year-old Basque manager reflected on his decision to succeed Arne Slot and detailed the talks he held with other major European outfits before accepting the role at Anfield. Iraola has already implemented an intense training regime aimed at building a collective, front-foot team that is exceptionally hard to beat.
What Is Happening
Liverpool have arrived in Chicago to launch their pre-season tour, which also features upcoming fixtures in Nashville and New York. Under the stewardship of new head coach Andoni Iraola, the squad has undergone intense double training sessions following initial physical testing at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby. Iraola's arrival represents a fresh tactical reboot for the Merseyside club after a disappointing fifth-place finish last season, where Liverpool gathered just 60 points—their lowest league tally in a decade.
The Background
Before making his move to Merseyside, Iraola spent three impressive years in charge of Bournemouth, culminating in a sixth-placed Premier League finish and European qualification for the first time in their history. However, his connection to Liverpool stretches back over a decade. In late 2013, while serving as captain of Athletic Club, the former right-back turned down an offer from Brendan Rodgers to join Liverpool in the January transfer window, opting instead to sign a two-year extension with his boyhood team.
After announcing in April that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the 2025-26 season, Iraola became one of the most sought-after managers in Europe. He held preliminary talks with AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea, who ultimately appointed Xabi Alonso. When Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes—who originally brought Iraola to Bournemouth in 2023—contacted him in late May following Slot's departure, the Basque coach agreed terms within five days.
The Latest Development
Speaking to journalists in Chicago, Iraola emphasised the ethos of collectivism that underpins his coaching philosophy. He forms part of a prominent wave of managers hailing from Gipuzkoa in the Basque region, alongside Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, and Xabi Alonso. Iraola noted that four top-flight English managers originate from this single region, attributing their shared success to a team-first culture.
I always say that a sense of collectiveness is very important. Spain has never had the best athletes. If you analyse, in swimming, track and field, they don't normally win medals. But in collective sports they are very good... We always put the team first.
The squad in the United States is currently missing eight senior players who are still on holiday following international duty at the World Cup, opening up opportunities for younger squad members and academy prospects, such as 15-year-old Josh Abe. Defender Joe Gomez, entering his 12th season at the club, confirmed that the squad feels refreshed and eager to build a solid physical foundation under the new staff.
What It Means
Iraola's immediate focus is instilling pressing intensity and structured work without the ball. Unlike previous pre-season testing regimes—such as the lactate test under Jurgen Klopp or the six-minute race test under Slot—Iraola employs high-intensity diagonal pitch drills designed to replicate sharp changes of direction. Key leadership decisions also loom, with Hungarian captain Dominik Szoboszlai signing a new five-year contract and emerging as a prime candidate for the vice-captaincy following senior departures.
What Remains Unclear
While the squad has begun its tactical adjustments, several roster decisions remain unresolved. The club continues to explore further additions in the transfer market as the World Cup concludes. Furthermore, the future of senior figures whose contracts expire next summer, including club captain Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker, has yet to be finalised as the club prepares for its opening pre-season friendly against Sunderland in Nashville.
FAQ
When was Andoni Iraola appointed Liverpool head coach?
Iraola was appointed in late May following the departure of former head coach Arne Slot.
Which other clubs discussed potential deals with Iraola before he joined Liverpool?
Iraola held discussions or received approaches from AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea before committing to Liverpool.
Why did Iraola decline a player transfer to Liverpool in 2013?
Iraola was captain of his boyhood club Athletic Club at the time and chose to sign a two-year extension rather than break his bond with the Basque side mid-season.
Where are Liverpool conducting their 2026 pre-season tour?
Liverpool are based in Chicago for their United States pre-season tour, with matches scheduled in Chicago, Nashville, and New York.
What is Iraola's immediate goal for Liverpool's performance?
Iraola has stated his primary objective is to create a disciplined, high-intensity collective that is exceptionally difficult for opponents to beat.