From the sack in Cyprus to Liverpool: Iraola's first job explained

Feature examining how Iraola rose from being sacked at AEK Larnaca in Cyprus seven years ago to becoming Liverpool manager, learning from early setbacks in Spain before impressing at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth.

Andoni Iraola is now Liverpool manager, but his managerial journey began in disappointment. Seven years ago, he was sacked from his first job in management at AEK Larnaca in the Cypriot top division after a winless streak that extended to six league games without victory.

Iraola's initial impact at Larnaca was impressive. He successfully navigated three rounds of Europa League qualifying with wins over Dundalk, Sturm Graz and Trencin, and by early December, his side sat second in the table, ahead of eventual champions APOEL.

He brought an aggressive, high-pressing style learned under Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Club—a philosophy rare in Cyprus at the time. Former player David Catala recalls: "Everything was more explosive with him, more rhythm, more intensity."

But results deteriorated rapidly. A 5-1 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in Europe was followed by a poor run of away fixtures on the island. After losses to Omonia and a draw with bottom-placed Ermis in January, Iraola was dismissed. He rebuilt his career in Spain with Mirandes before impressing at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, eventually earning his opportunity at Anfield.