Jurgen Klopp gives Andoni Iraola verdict and makes Liverpool return wish clear
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Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to ESPN and has sent a message to new Reds boss Andoni Iraola while admitting he has "no idea" what went wrong under Arne Slot last season17:23, 28 Jun 2026Updated 17:29, 28 Jun 2026Jurgen Klopp has given his verdict on Andoni Iraola's appointment as Liverpool head coach(Image: Getty Images)Jurgen Klopp believes Andoni Iraola requires time to flourish at Liverpool as the legendary former manager confessed he had "no idea" what went awry under Arne Slot.Slot secured the Premier League title during his debut campaign at Anfield after succeeding Klopp in 2024, but the Dutchman's second season proved far more challenging as the reigning champions suffered 20 defeats in all competitions.An end-of-season assessment with sporting director Richard Hughes on May 30 led to Slot's dismissal before Iraola, who had already left Bournemouth at the conclusion of the campaign, was swiftly appointed as the new head coach on Merseyside.Klopp called for patience with Iraola at Anfield and while he acknowledged being uncertain about the root causes of Slot's difficulties, the iconic German - now serving as head of global soccer at Red Bull - suggested the death of Diogo Jota last July had a profound effect throughout the entire club, reports the Liverpool Echo."I've no idea, I am not close enough to judge that," Klopp told ESPN. "I was super happy that they won the league the year before and I have no idea what went wrong the year after."So I don't think anyone was really happy with the season, that is obvious but they still qualified for the Champions League and that is great success then.Jurgen Klopp gave his thoughts on Andoni Iraola's appointment at Liverpool"So now they can go again, they have a new manager and Andoni Iraola is a great coach as well.
But it has to click, it has to work together for a long time and for that you need luck."And there was a situation at Liverpool last season which nobody expected to happen (Diogo Jota dying) and to deal with these kinds of things is really difficult."So I don't know exactly what went on. So last season is now in the past as well, so they can look into the future."Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.During an interview in New York, where Klopp is presently based for the World Cup, former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop enquired whether the 2019 Champions League winner would relish the opportunity to savour a European night at Anfield once more.Klopp added: "If I am allowed to coach another game again, yes, a European night at Anfield is super, super special."I am not sure coaching it is the best experience but probably being in the stands and watching it might be an even better experience."But maybe there is a day I can go there, nobody recognizes me and I can just stand in the stands and have the same fun as everyone else.Jurgen Klopp has admitted he would like to return to Anfield for a European night(Image: Getty)"The football we were delivering, and the reason behind the way we played, is that we wanted to achieve success and entertain the fans."We wanted to play in the most exciting stadiums, and in the best football atmospheres, and to achieve the greatest possible amount of success."As long as you're not the best team in the world, you have to play in a style capable of beating the best team in the world. That's what we tried to do, we played in the way we played."And in terms of the fun and excitement, I accept this compliment with great pleasure, because I also enjoy watching my team play."