Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot have agreed that it was vital that Liverpool qualified for the Champions League next season.
A run of one win from four games left Liverpool sweating over a top-five Premier League finish ahead of facing Brentford on the final day of the campaign.
Ultimately a draw 1-1 at Anfield was enough to ensure the Reds will be back at Europe’s top table in 2026-27, finishing three points clear of sixth-placed Bournemouth.
Ironically, Iraola - who led the Cherries to their best-ever Premier League finish - will be the biggest beneficiary of Liverpool qualifying for the Champions League after his appointment as new head coach.
Succeeding Slot, who paid the price for an overall disappointing second season in charge, Iraola has explained why it is important for Liverpool to be playing in Europe’s premier club competition.
“Yes, massive respect for Arne, massive respect,” the Spaniard told the club’s official website. “He's been a Premier League champion and this is something that is massive, especially for a club like Liverpool.
“The Champions League, I had the chance to play it just once as a player. We used to qualify a lot for the Europa League [as a player at Athletic Club] but the Champions League, I've only played it once and I'm looking forward to play [it for the] first time as a coach.
“Big demands, also big chances to face the best teams in Europe and see where we are.”
Iraola’s comments echo that of Slot’s verdict on Champions League qualification in an emotional open letter published just days after his sacking.
"Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond," he wrote.
"Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.
"When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it."
