Andoni Iraola spent most of his playing career at Athletic Club, where he played more than 500 games as an attacking right-back. He won 20 caps for Spain.
After retiring he coached AEK Larnaca, Mirandés and Rayo Vallecano, where he won promotion and then established the club in La Liga with a high-pressing style.
His work at Bournemouth, where he took over in 2023, made him one of the most respected coaches in the Premier League. Liverpool appointed him in June 2026 to succeed Arne Slot.
Coaching style
Iraola’s teams play high-intensity, pressing football with quick transitions and a lot of running. At Rayo Vallecano he built an aggressive, attacking team on a small budget, and at Bournemouth he turned a relegation candidate into one of the most feared teams in the Premier League, capable of beating the league’s biggest clubs. He is known for developing players, several of whom were later sold for large fees. His calm, modest manner contrasts with the intensity of his teams.
International career
As a player, Iraola won 20 caps for Spain. He was part of a strong Athletic Club generation and played in the 2012 Europa League final under Marcelo Bielsa, whose influence can be seen in his coaching.
