Liverpool: Liverpool have announced the official appointment of 43-year-old Spanish coach Andoni Iraola as their new manager. Iraola, who signed a two-year contract with the Reds, left his position as manager of Bournemouth at the end of the last season after a three-year stint in charge. Last season, he guided Bournemouth to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, securing European qualification for the first time in the club's history.
According to Thai News Agency, Iraola took over from Arne Slot, who was sacked by Liverpool after leading the team to a 5th place finish in the league. The Spanish manager gave his first interview, describing his move to Anfield as joining a "special club". Iraola expressed excitement about the atmosphere, the fans, the club, the players, the opportunity to work with top-level players, and the chance to compete for championships. He noted it was almost impossible to find anything more attractive and that he is extremely excited to start this job.
In related sports news, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has revealed that Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, will not travel to Cleveland for Saturday's World Cup-prepared friendly against Egypt due to ongoing intensive treatment for a calf injury. Neymar's fitness for Brazil's opening World Cup Group C match against Morocco remains uncertain, but hopes are high for his recovery in time.
The Japanese national football team, meanwhile, has decided to change their training location to Monterrey, Mexico, before the World Cup, after their original training grounds were deemed unsuitable. The team is scheduled to play its first match in Group F against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, on June 14th.