Why Andoni Iraola has only signed a two-year deal at Liverpool

Some football managers like to build despite the inherently short-term job security. It can work well, but it demands a high degree of trust and patience.

Andoni Iraola sees it differently. The Basque boss, who was announced as Liverpool's new head coach on Thursday evening, is one of the gaffers who wants to bring life to his clear ideas more quickly.

It's not an easy task, but it keeps managers of Iraola's ilk away from the need to ask for more time in an impatient sport.

Iraola has signed a two-year contract with Liverpool, an unusually short deal for a new manager at the top level. It was a decision that raised eyebrows amongst some supporters, but it is his preference.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio Solent in 2025, Iraola explained the reasoning behind short-term deals.

“I think just signing a contract, just to have the assurance that if they sign you, you will receive the money, I don't feel – I wouldn't feel – really pleased with this. I think you have to earn the right every season.

“Sometimes, even if you don't get the best results, maybe the club is very happy with your work and they want to continue, and it happens the opposite way as well. So I think, in a manager's case, it doesn't matter if you have another three years.

"If one of the parties is not happy, normally it breaks from one side or the other. So every year has to be like a renewal of confidence from both sides."

“The only time I have signed for two years is here at Bournemouth," he also said.

"I don’t want to continue at a club just because I have a contract. I want to continue because both sides are happy and they want to continue together. The manager’s case is as important as the players’ cases, because at the end, you have to get the results.

“I could have whatever contract I have, but if I don’t get the results, in three or four months I will be in danger.

“So I try to focus on the short-term – do your job, get your results and then normally everything is fine. In Spain, it’s probably different – with Rayo (Vallecano), I used to renew a lot of times after the season, but I understand it is different in England.”

Andoni Iraola explains why he took the Liverpool job

Speaking in his first interview as Liverpool manager, Iraola gave an insight into why he took the job.

"I identify with the football and the values of the squad, and we are all in for this year. It helps a lot that, on the other side of the table, there is someone you have worked with [in Richard Hughes]. We were one year together.

"But this case it's about Liverpool, that's what really attracted me. I am looking forward to getting all the information so I can better understand the club.

"We still have time, one month before we [start] work with the players, but I want to use this month to arrive in the proper way. I have been here three years in the Premier League and people have seen Bournemouth play.

"There are some things we need to change coaching Liverpool, but I wouldn't like to lose our identity: the intensity, the aggressiveness, the organisation. There are certain things that I would like to always have in my team, but you also have to adapt to the players you have...

"The fundamentals match quite well what has been Liverpool over the last few years, so I think we can make it work. Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles.

"When you arrive to a [new] place, you can't promise everything, but I understand where I am coming and what is expected. I am ready for the challenge."

Andoni Iraola earned his shot by revolutionising Bournemouth

Liverpool's interest in Iraola pre-dates their two seasons under Arne Slot and the Spaniard's spell in charge of AFC Bournemouth.

The Cherries recorded back-to-back highest league finishes under Iraola. The south coast club have played nine seasons in England's top division and Iraola guided them to an equal-best ninth place in the Premier League in 2024-25.

After finishing sixth in 2025-26, three points behind the Reds, Bournemouth will play in Europe for the first time next season.

Former Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose will take them into the Europa League while Iraola, who would have earned a Champions League spot had other results gone Bournemouth's way on the final day of the season, will lead Liverpool into European club football's premier competition instead.