Liverpool’s newly appointed head coach Andoni Iraola had once rejected the Merseyside club as a player and then proceeded to write a personal letter to Liverpool management explaining his decision making.
In 2013, when Iraloa was playing for his boyhood club Athletic Bilbao, Liverpool expressed a desire to sign the right back, with just six months left in his contract. The then-31-year-old took his time before choosing to stick with Athletic.
Along with renewing his contract with Athletic, Iraloa also sent a letter to the Reds, thanking them for their approach and explaining why he refused to make the switch, while also expressing his admiration for the Anfield.
RELATED | Liverpool boss Iraola says club needs more signings ahead of Premier League new season
In a recent interview with the Guardian, Iraola confirmed the incident, but refused to reveal the details.
“I don’t know if I want to tell this story so early in my career here. I would like to win some games first. It is a nice story but if you remember me in some months, then you can ask me again. I don’t like to do this from the beginning. I just don’t want to. It will look like I am selling myself. We need some time, and to win some games,” he said.
Iraola represented Athletic until 2015, before winding up his playing career with New York City FC in 2016.
He began coaching in 2018 and made an impact with Rayo Vallecano (2020-23), before joining AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.
In 2025-26, Iraola led Bournemouth to an incredible sixth-placed finish in the league as it qualified for the Europa League for the first time.
In April 2026, it was confirmed that Iraola would replace Arne Slot as the Liverpool manager for the upcoming season.
Iraola said he understood the gravity of his new role and was ready for it.
“I want to think so, I understand. Until I go through certain experiences, I will not fully know. I am here to experience those situations, I am ready for it. I understand this is a massive experience. Everything I say will be under scrutiny and you have to be aware of mistakes. I wouldn’t like to be too careful, I am not going to live in a bubble.”
Published on Jul 26, 2026
Comments are closed.