ไทย
English
中國人
Liverpool have officially named Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, with the Spaniard expressing that he is "really excited" to take charge of "one of the biggest clubs in the world."
Iraola, who has signed a two-year contract with the Reds, was quickly identified as the frontrunner to succeed Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout. Just five days after the Dutchman's departure was confirmed, Iraola was formally introduced as Liverpool's new manager, and the Spaniard made no effort to conceal his excitement in his opening remarks.
"Really excited, really excited," Iraola said. "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 it from the inside and understanding this club a little more, I always felt it's a special place. You don't need much to be drawn to Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.
"But obviously the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the opportunity to coach top-level players, the chance to compete for trophies. I think it doesn't get more appealing than this. It's hard to find anything like it. So, really excited to get started."
Iraola spent three seasons at Bournemouth, guiding the Cherries to a sixth-place Premier League finish in 2025–26 and leading them into European competition for the first time in the club's history.
Iraola: There's 'No Better Place Than Anfield'
"I want to become one more of you." ✊ pic.twitter.com/EN38rKmKRz
The new Spanish boss appears acutely aware that Liverpool is unlike any other club. He witnessed first-hand just how intense and electric Anfield can be, recalling the opening match of the 2025–26 Premier League season when Federico Chiesa netted a late winner against his Bournemouth side.
Now, Iraola is eager to experience that same feeling from the "other side," though he acknowledges he will need to earn his place among the supporters.
"At the beginning when you arrive at any club, I think you need to kind of prove yourself a little bit," Iraola said. "You need to earn the right to belong. I want to do this as quickly as possible so I can celebrate with them and truly be part of those moments.
"For me, football is about emotions. About passion. I'm quite cool-headed probably, during my life quite rational, I would say. But it's true that when the game starts, when you have to celebrate a goal, something is inside, no?
"I think this inner energy, you need it as a player, you need it as a supporter, you need it as a coach. No better place than Anfield."
Iraola Knows What Is Expected At Liverpool
While Iraola stopped short of making any concrete promises about what Liverpool will accomplish under his leadership, he is fully aware that his time at the club will ultimately be measured in trophies, acknowledging he has the opportunity "to win titles."
"Obviously when you arrive somewhere, you cannot promise everything," Iraola said. "You cannot promise. But it's true that I understand where I'm coming and what is expected. I'm ready for the challenge."
Beyond any future goals, Iraola took the time to speak directly to Liverpool's fanbase, making clear that leading the Reds is "a privilege."
"I'm happy to speak to you for the first time," Iraola said in a message addressed to Liverpool supporters. "You already know the club is one of the biggest in the world, but I think there's always something more when we talk about Liverpool.
"I think there is an identity behind it. I think there are a lot of people who care deeply about this club, and that really motivates me. I think it's a great privilege but also a great responsibility to be here in this position.
"I hope I'm at the level and we can enjoy it together."