Andoni Iraola has officially taken charge of Liverpool, bringing an end to the club’s search for Arne Slot’s successor. The 43-year-old Spaniard has arrived at Anfield after Liverpool endured a difficult previous campaign and began the new season with a major change in the dugout.
Iraola has inherited a squad that is undergoing significant transition. Liverpool opened the campaign with a 2–2 draw at Newcastle, where Dominik Szoboszlai scored a late penalty to rescue a point. The result offered some encouragement, but it also exposed defensive weaknesses that the new manager must address.
The manager’s pre-season preparations included a 3–2 defeat by Monaco, during which Liverpool surrendered a two-goal lead. His first Premier League home match ended in another 2–2 draw, this time against Nottingham Forest, with Liverpool twice coming from behind to secure a point.
Inside the training ground, Iraola has introduced a competitive environment designed to improve intensity and togetherness. Training sessions are divided into small teams, with players on the losing side required to complete additional running exercises.
The new manager is expected to build his midfield around Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungary international offers energy, pressing ability and a willingness to contribute defensively, while his movement into advanced areas could increase his goals and assists.
Szoboszlai has already shown his importance under Iraola. His late penalty against Newcastle earned Liverpool a point and demonstrated the midfielder’s composure in high-pressure situations.
The club’s attacking structure has changed significantly during the summer. Liverpool have signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United and reached an agreement to bring in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola for a deal worth up to £123 million. Cody Gakpo’s future remains uncertain amid interest from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Isak is still rebuilding his fitness after making only eight Premier League starts last season because of injury. His movement and finishing give Liverpool a different option through the middle, but Iraola must manage his workload carefully as he returns to full sharpness.
Florian Wirtz is also adapting to English football after his £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen. The German midfielder is expected to play a major creative role, although Liverpool must develop a structure that allows Wirtz, Szoboszlai and Isak to operate effectively together.
Iraola’s approach is based on intensity, aggressive pressing and quick attacks. Those principles were visible during his time at previous clubs, and Liverpool’s leadership believes they can help restore energy to a side that became inconsistent under Slot.
The manager has also placed emphasis on integrating young players. Rio Ngumoha has emerged as an important attacking option, while other prospects are expected to receive opportunities during the season.
The immediate challenge is to turn promising performances into victories. Liverpool have shown attacking quality in their opening matches, but the team has conceded too easily and struggled to control games for long periods.
Iraola’s first official victory will therefore be an important psychological milestone. With Barcola arriving, Isak regaining fitness and Szoboszlai taking on greater responsibility, Liverpool have the talent to improve. The new manager must now provide the tactical clarity and consistency required to turn an expensive rebuild into a successful campaign.
