New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has revealed he was in talks with other clubs before agreeing to take charge at Anfield, in an appointment he says came together quickly after the end of last season. The 44-year-old replaced Arne Slot, who left after a disappointing campaign in which Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League and suffered a club-record 20 defeats across all competitions, meaning Iraola's arrival is seen as an attempt to restore an attacking style of play and rebuild confidence among supporters.

Iraola, who had stepped down as Bournemouth manager after three years, said Liverpool contacted him in the first or second week after the season finished and that accepting the role "didn't take a lot" of persuading. He drew comparisons between Liverpool and his former club Athletic Club, citing a shared sense of belonging and connection with academy players, and reflected on why Basque and Spanish coaches, including Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery and Xabi Alonso, have thrived in the Premier League, pointing to a collectivist team-first football culture. Liverpool's pre-season US tour begins with a friendly against Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, followed by matches against Wrexham in New York and Leeds United in Chicago.