Klopp praises Iraola but warns Liverpool need more than luck

Jurgen Klopp has commented on Liverpool’s appointment of Andoni Iraola as head coach, saying the new manager arrives with strong credentials after the club’s recent Champions League qualification and a season that fell below expectations following Arne Slot’s tenure.

In an interview with , Klopp said, “I’m not close enough to judge that,” when asked what went wrong under Slot, indicating he did not claim insider knowledge of the previous manager’s difficulties.

Klopp noted that Slot’s reign became complicated, citing injuries, rhythm, recruitment, confidence, emotional strain and tactical fatigue as factors that can accumulate and affect a title‑winning side.

Reflecting on the previous campaign, Klopp said, “I was super happy that they won the league the year before, and I’ve no idea what was wrong the year after. Nobody was happy with the season, that’s obvious, but they still qualified for the Champions League and that’s a great success, so now you can go again.”

He added, “Now they have a new manager, Andoni Iraola is a great coach as well, like Arne Slot is, but it has to click, it has to work together for a long time, and for that you need luck,” stressing that luck is a necessary component for success.

Klopp also referenced the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, saying, “There was a situation last year at Liverpool that nobody expected to happen, and to deal with these kinds of things is really difficult,” and noted that the last season is now behind the club.

Looking ahead, Klopp said Iraola will need buy‑in from senior players, fitness at key moments, smart recruitment and time for his ideas to breathe, and that Liverpool must give the new coach the right platform to build on the club’s talent, status and financial power.