Four Crucial Missions Andoni Iraola Must Accomplish After Landing the Liverpool Job

The short-lived search for Arne Slot's replacement has concluded—Andoni Iraola has been officially named as Liverpool's new manager.

The 43-year-old comes to Anfield having performed miracles on England's south coast. Iraola steered Bournemouth to progressively better league finishes each year despite repeatedly losing key players, with a standout 2025–26 campaign ending in the club's first-ever Europa League qualification.

The Liverpool role is an entirely different challenge, however, with expectations enormous and results non-negotiable. While Iraola takes charge of a talented squad, he must reinvigorate a side that slumped to a fifth-place finish last season—just three points ahead of Bournemouth.

Having never managed a club of Liverpool's stature, all attention will be on how he handles this new environment. Here are the four priorities that should sit at the top of Iraola's agenda following his appointment.

Implement His Pressing Philosophy

Liverpool's style of play had become dull and predictable under Slot last season, making the prospect of Iraola's high-energy pressing approach all the more exciting.

The Basque tactician has built a strong reputation for the relentless intensity his Bournemouth teams displayed, with Iraola demanding tireless defensive work from his players to win the ball back quickly and high up the pitch. It's a style far closer to Jürgen Klopp's methods than Slot's—which is precisely what Liverpool need as they look to rediscover their identity.

The Reds were outrun in almost every Premier League match last season, meaning players will require time to adjust to a system defined by its intensity. For those who played under Klopp, the transition may be relatively smooth, but last summer's arrivals—aside from Milos Kerkez, who played under Iraola at Bournemouth—could be in for a rude awakening.

Liverpool fans have always craved an attacking mentality from those who wear the famous red shirt, and they will be treated to high-tempo football under Iraola regardless. The manager's primary task must be to re-energize his new squad, which will admittedly be complicated by this summer's World Cup depriving certain players of a full preseason.

Fix the Leaky Defense

Bournemouth's backline was far from solid under Iraola, with defensive vulnerability being an inherent trade-off of such an aggressive system. Only six clubs conceded more than the Cherries in the Premier League last season, though a contributing factor was the dismantling of their defensive unit during last summer's transfer window.

With a considerably stronger defensive setup in 2024–25, featuring the likes of Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi alongside Kerkez, Bournemouth let in just 46 league goals—only five more than champions Liverpool.

Iraola appreciates the value of defensive organization and structure, his tactical intelligence having been evident throughout his time at the Vitality Stadium. A tough task awaits following Liverpool's calamitous defensive season in 2025–26, further complicated by the departure of Ibrahima Konaté, though the heightened pressing intensity should help shield an uncertain backline going forward.

On the training pitch, Iraola must find the right balance between his attacking principles and defensive solidity. Failing to achieve this could lead to a repeat of last season's dismal defensive performances.

Unlock Last Summer's Signings

One of Slot's most glaring failures was his inability to properly integrate last summer's costly recruits. Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong struggled in the fullback positions, while Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak both endured disappointing campaigns. Hugo Ekitiké, who will be sidelined for the opening months of Iraola's tenure, was the sole bright spot.

The Frenchman's unavailability means Iraola urgently needs to get the best out of Isak next season. Four goals in 22 appearances is wholly inadequate, and the former Bournemouth boss will aim to restore the Swedish striker to his best form after the World Cup, hoping to replicate what he previously achieved with Dominic Solanke, Antoine Semenyo and Eli Junior Kroupi.

Wirtz is another player entering a pivotal season. Iraola's favored 4-2-3-1 formation should allow the German to play in his preferred No. 10 role, and a more attack-minded approach could unlock Liverpool's creative talent. The flashes of brilliance seen during his debut campaign must become a consistent feature under Iraola.

Kerkez should flourish given his existing rapport with Iraola from their time together at Bournemouth, while Frimpong's best position will need to be clearly defined. The Dutchman excelled as a right wing-back at Bayer Leverkusen but has appeared ill at ease at right back and right wing for the Reds.

A squad built for expressive, attacking football should thrive under the former Rayo Vallecano manager.

Bolster a Thin Squad

How much influence Iraola will have over Liverpool's transfer activity is yet to be determined, but his close relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes—the man who brought him to Bournemouth—means there is already a shared understanding of what is needed to make his philosophy work.

Liverpool require significant investment to reassert themselves, particularly following the free-transfer departures of Konaté, Andy Robertson and, most significantly, Mohamed Salah. Iraola must push for financial support in the market.

The defense needs strengthening, with the acquisition of Jérémy Jacquet insufficient on its own. An additional center back is essential following Konaté's exit, and the fullback positions could also benefit from further reinforcement.

A defensive midfielder is also needed to share the workload with Ryan Gravenberch, while greater depth is required in wide areas—ideally on both sides. Liverpool may also need to bring in temporary cover for Ekitiké, whose serious injury could keep him out until 2027.

Another hectic summer is expected on Merseyside, and Iraola must be central to all conversations regarding the future composition of his squad.