Liverpool officially appoints Andoni Iraola as new head coach; fans share mixed reactions

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their head coach. The contract has been signed for two years following the sacking of Arne Slot.

The Reds announced Slot's exit on Saturday, a year after the Dutchman guided them to the Premier League title.

43-year-old former Bournemouth manager Iraola joins after delivering the Cherries' finest top-flight season to date, finishing in sixth place.

"Really excited, really excited," said Iraola. "Because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it's a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world.

"You don't need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool."

He added, "I think Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles." To win titles.

"I'm ready for the challenge."

The decision to sack Slot was made by Michael Edwards, who is the Fenway Sports Group chief executive of football, and Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes. 

Together, they decided the club required a more front-foot, aggressive and urgent style of football.

"Obviously when you arrive at a place, you cannot promise everything. You cannot promise. But it's true that I understand where I'm coming and what is expected.

Fans react after Iraola's appointment in Liverpool

Why Liverpool's new manager Iraola signed a short contract?

"I don't want to continue in a club just because I have a contract," he said.

"I want to continue because both sides are happy and they want to continue together."

Iraola said his personal preference is for short-term contracts, with the option to extend.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy feels the Reds will be in a much better position next season than they were under Slot.

"Bringing in Iraola was the best option because the fans go into a new campaign with hope and excitement, rather than fear. You do not want to start the season where the players are feeling the anxiety from the outset, and this was the best way for Liverpool to do it," Murphy added.