A new era is underway at Anfield again. After Arne Slot's two-year reign was ended following a miserable campaign with 19 defeats in all competitions, Andoni Iraola has been charged with reinstalling the attacking identity demanded by Reds fans.
Iraola's Bournemouth certainly displayed that quality. The Basque manager delivered an aggressive, progressive style, utilising quick, direct wingers, a high defensive line and pressing in attack.
Did somebody say “Jurgen Klopp”? Kopites are hoping for Klopp-like football, having grown frustrated by Slot's slow build-up and passive play. Iraola's message to Liverpool fans upon arrival was upbeat, capturing the imagination: “I can only say I want to become one of you; to earn the right to belong.” That's been enough to restore optimism after a difficult year.
It's the dawn of a new era at Liverpool, and Andoni Iraola must restore a lost hope
However, they will be a different proposition with the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate – a key trio not just on the pitch, but around the club.
New leaders need to step up, because nine players from the title-winning squad of a little over a year ago have already left.
Nobody expects a title challenge in Iraola's maiden season, but a return to more attractive football and clear signs of an identity will be needed, and fast.
The lack of a trophy on his managerial CV, or experience coaching in European competition, are both concerns.
The Coach
Andoni Iraola is only the 22nd Liverpool manager in 134 years, which shows that it was no easy decision to part ways with Slot so soon. But Iraola offers the exciting football that fans missed, while his Basque roots mean he can understand the city's outsider mentality.
Key Player
Virgil van Dijk is 35 now, yet he played every league minute in 2025-26, then went to the World Cup. With Giovanni Leoni (19) and inexperienced new signing Jeremy Jacquet (21) alongside him, and Ibrahima Konate gone, the Dutchman's experience will be vital.
Last Season's Results
PREMIER LEAGUE: 5th
FA CUP: Quarter-final
LEAGUE CUP: Fourth Round
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Quarter-final
Top Scorer
Hugo Ekitike was Liverpool's top goalscorer last year, with 17 strikes in all competitions.
That figure is a stark drop-off from the 30-40 goal campaigns produced by Salah from 2017-2024.
Ekitike is sidelined with injury until likely 2027, and whoever the Reds' top scorer is this year will surely have to produce a haul that exceeds that of the Frenchman in 2025-26.
Lessons From Last Year
There are many: using the squad better, getting the most of Florian Wirtz in a settled role, fewer ready excuses such as an inability to defend long throws and set pieces.
Arguably, the biggest lesson Iraola can take from Slot's reign is using the power of Anfield. Liverpool made slow starts too often under the Dutchman, reflected in their conceding first in 14 league games last season.
They lacked attacking impetus, which sapped the energy of the crowd, and the two couldn't thrive off each other. “For me,” says Iraola, “football is about emotions – about passion.” Those inside Anfield would agree.
Most Likely To...
Be involved in a 5-4 thriller. Think Klopp's first campaign, when the German's glasses were lost in the celebrations at Norwich. Iraola's first year could be as entertaining.
Least Likely To...
Shut up shop defending set pieces. Liverpool (20) and Bournemouth (18) had the worst record for goals against from dead-ball situations in the Premier League last season.
View From The Stands
Words by: JACK LUSBY @LusbyJack
Last season was deeply overshadowed by an unbelievable tragedy. Diogo Jota's death had a lasting impact on not only his team-mates, but the coach and his staff.
The big talking point is the decision to sack Arne Slot. Even with the serious mitigating factors, it was necessary – his decline had begun with the side's shocking display in the 2025 Carabao Cup Final.
This season will be different because Andoni Iraola has breathed new life into the support.
I won't be happy unless proper, attacking football returns to Anfield. You'd be surprised how many struggled to sit through Liverpool games last year.
Our key player will be Virgil van Dijk. World class. Look out for 19-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni. After nine months out, it's easy to forget his immense talent. He tore his ACL on debut and was still man of the match.
Fans think our owners are OK. FSG get plenty wrong but they usually rectify it eventually.
The departing player I'm saddest about is Andy Robertson or Mo Salah. Both should still be at the club – and would be, had things changed sooner.
A social media account to follow is the academy (@LFCAcademyX). There's a wealth of talent coming through or being signed.
Our biggest grudge match will be against Arsenal. They're the most unlikeable champions in a long, long time. Those games will be attacking football vs anti-football.
We'll finish 3rd.
Fixtures
AUGUST
23 Newcastle (A)
29 Nott'm Forest (H)
SEPTEMBER
5 Ipswich (A)
12 Fulham (H)
19 Bournemouth (A)
OCTOBER
10 Man City (H)
17 Brentford (A)
24 Brighton (H)
31 Arsenal (H)
NOVEMBER
7 Crystal Palace (A)
21 Man United (H)
28 Everton (A)
DECEMBER
2 Sunderland (H)
5 Chelsea (A)
12 Leeds (H)
19 Tottenham (H)
26 Hull City (A)
30 Aston Villa (A)
JANUARY
2 Coventry (H)
6 Sunderland (A)
16 Crystal Palace (H)
23 Man United (A)
30 Everton (H)
FEBRUARY
6 Arsenal (A)
10 Coventry (A)
20 Hull City (H)
27 Tottenham (A)
MARCH
3 Aston Villa (H)
13 Ipswich (H)
20 Fulham (A)
APRIL
10 Newcastle (H)
17 Nott'm Forest (A)
24 Leeds (A)
MAY
1 Chelsea (H)
8 Man City (A)
15 Brentford (H)
23 Brighton (A)
30 Bournemouth (H)
Title Odds
Liverpool to win the Premier League title odds: 11/2
FFT Verdict
FourFourTwo verdict: Liverpool to finish 3rd.
Life without Salah could benefit the collective, if handled correctly. Iraola's methods suit most of the Reds' squad, fitness depending, although bungeeing back to the title is likely too much to ask.
This feature was written in June as part of FourFourTwo magazine's legendary Season Preview issue which can be ordered here.
