Andoni Iraola is expected to become Liverpool’s next head coach with one player seemingly in favour of the appointment
Giorgi Mamardashvili has appeared to ‘like’ an Instagram post confirming that Andoni Iraola is set to become Liverpool’s new head coach. The 43-year-old, who left Bournemouth at the end of the 2025/26 season, will replace Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout following dismissal last weekend.
Iraola quickly emerged as the favourite to take the vacant Liverpool job while Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart and Lens head coach Pierre Sage were other candidates.
Xabi Alonso appeared as the no.1 contender to replace Jurgen Klopp two years ago but opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. He joined Real Madrid just 12 months later before being sacked earlier this year and he has since become Chelsea’s new manager.
While Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz would have certainly benefitted from his arrival, Milos Kerkez does appear set for a boost having enjoyed a superb breakout season under Iraola at Bournemouth. And it seems as though the Hungary international is not the only Liverpool star pleased by the appointment.
On Instagram, the account @gmamardashvili25 has liked a post from Fabrizio Romano which details that Iraola has signed a two-year contract and will be unveiled as Liverpool boss this week.
It is understood that Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper are expected to join as his assistants with it also stated he wants Pablo de la Torre and Tom Webber to join him on Merseyside.
Get Liverpool’s new 2026/27 home kit
Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club’s 1989/90 title-winning campaign.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated LFC Facebook page
With a deal for their next manager all but wrapped up, attention will undoubtedly turn to transfers which will see Iraola again working alongside Richard Hughes.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande looks to be the dream target to replace Mohamed Salah with additions in midfield and defence also possible.
More exits also appear likely following departures for Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate with the latter set to follow in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold and join Real Madrid as a free agent.
Liverpool had at least prepared for the potential departure of Konate with a pre-agreement reached for Jeremy Jacquet back in February.
The likes of Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliot could also depart in search of regular minutes.



