Predicting Liverpool's starting XI under new manager Andoni Iraola for the 2026-27 season

Andoni Iraola is set to take charge of Liverpool's operations ahead of the 2026-27 season, marking a significant managerial shift at Anfield. The Spanish tactician arrives with an impressive track record, having guided Bournemouth to their highest Premier League finish in the club's history during the 2023-24 campaign, securing a sixth-place finish and European qualification. Iraola's appointment signals Liverpool's intention to implement a fresh strategic approach whilst maintaining the club's competitive standing in England's top division.

The manager's transition to Merseyside carries considerable weight given Liverpool's recent domestic performance and the need for tactical reinvention. Iraola's Bournemouth side demonstrated defensive solidity and efficient counter-attacking, conceding fewer goals than many title contenders whilst scoring 61 league goals across the 2023-24 season. His preference for a high-pressing, structured midfield system contrasts with the expressive football currently associated with Liverpool, suggesting potential squad adjustments and a recalibration of the club's attacking philosophy during the summer transfer window.

Planning for Iraola's first campaign involves assessing which established Liverpool players suit his tactical demands and which positions require reshaping. The manager's success at Bournemouth relied heavily on consistent performers in midfield and organised backline play, a contrast to Liverpool's recent reliance on attacking flair. By the 2026-27 season, several current Reds squad members will have entered their thirties, potentially opening opportunities for Iraola to construct a team aligned with his preferred intensity and pressing triggers whilst maintaining Liverpool's aspirations for silverware.