Liverpool have named Andoni Iraola as their new manager following the dismissal of Arne Slot, who was sacked last Saturday after a disastrous Premier League title defense. The 43-year-old Spaniard quickly emerged as the top target to replace Slot.

British media report that Iraola has signed a two-year deal, though the club did not disclose the contract length. Iraola, who left Bournemouth after an impressive stint, expressed his excitement: "Liverpool is a massive club, one of the biggest in the world. It's a special club."

Iraola is expected to bring back the urgent, aggressive style of football that characterized Jurgen Klopp's tenure, after criticism of Liverpool's lackluster performances under Slot. The former defender earned rave reviews for leading Bournemouth to a sixth-place finish and their first European qualification.

Iraola joined Bournemouth from Rayo Vallecano in 2023, having previously managed Mirandes and AEK Larnaca. Under his guidance, Bournemouth improved each season, finishing 12th, 9th, and 6th. He was praised for his astute tactics and development of young players.

Mohamed Salah, who left Liverpool at the end of the season, had called for a return to "heavy metal football" under Klopp, heaping pressure on Slot. Iraola favors an attacking, high-pressing style, contrasting with Slot's controlled approach.

Slot's second season ended in disaster: after winning the title in his first season, Liverpool collapsed from September onward, finishing fifth without a trophy. The death of forward Diogo Jota in a car crash last July deeply affected the squad, and a £450 million spending spree failed to pay off.

Source: www.aljazeera.com