Which manager led Liverpool in their 2026–27 Premier League opening-round match?

Andoni Iraola led Liverpool in their 2026–27 Premier League opening-round match.

Iraola was Liverpool’s manager when they drew 2–2 away to Newcastle United on Sunday 23 August 2026. The appointment followed Arne Slot’s departure at the end of the previous season, making the Newcastle match Iraola’s first competitive Premier League game in charge of Liverpool.

The match was also a managerial debut for Newcastle’s Matthias Jaissle. This meant the opening-round fixture involved two clubs beginning new coaching eras, rather than simply being a meeting between established teams.

The answer is sometimes confused with Xabi Alonso, who managed Chelsea in the opening round, or with Eddie Howe, who had previously managed Newcastle. Arne Slot was Liverpool’s preceding manager, but he was not the person in charge for the 2026–27 opener.