Andoni Iraola, Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso join Spanish academies

Andoni Iraola, Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso have all accepted roles in Spanish youth academies. The trio were teammates at Antiguoko, the Donostia‑based academy that also feeds Athletic Bilbao.

Iraola, who took charge of Liverpool on Thursday, left the Reds to join Athletic Bilbao’s Lezama. He had previously worked in the youth set‑up of the Basque club.

Arteta, Arsenal’s manager who won the Premier League by seven points over Manchester City and reached the Champions League final in the 2025‑26 season, has moved to FC Barcelona’s lower categories. His appointment links the English champion with the Catalan academy.

Alonso signed for Real Sociedad’s cantera this week. The former Real Madrid midfielder joins a system that already produced him.

Antiguoko’s alumni have repeatedly reached top coaching positions across Europe. Their collective shift to Spanish academies underscores the club’s developmental reputation.

The three coaches are expected to influence the next generation of Spanish talent. Their experience at elite English clubs could accelerate youth progress.