🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Liverpool appoints Andoni Iraola as new manager after Arne Slot's dismissal
via The Namibian3 min read
Liverpool has named Andoni Iraola as their new manager, replacing Arne Slot, who was sacked after a disappointing Premier League title defense. Iraola, 43, expressed excitement about joining Liverpool, calling it a "special club" and one of the biggest in the world. He highlighted the attractive aspects of the club, including the atmosphere, supporters, and the opportunity to coach top-level players and compete for titles. British media reports indicate Iraola has signed a two-year deal. He is expected to bring a more urgent and aggressive style of football, reminiscent of former manager Jurgen Klopp, following criticism of Liverpool's performances under Slot. Iraola previously managed Bournemouth, leading them to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League this season and their first qualification for Europe. His tenure at Bournemouth saw consistent improvement, with the team finishing 12th, ninth, and sixth in successive seasons. Before Bournemouth, he managed Raya Vallecano, Mirandes, and AEK Larnaca. Iraola's appointment comes as Liverpool faces a crossroads after Slot's failure to maintain the club's position at the top of English football. Slot, who replaced Klopp, initially led Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English league title but saw the team's performance decline in the 2025/26 season, finishing fifth without a trophy. The season was also impacted by the death of forward Diogo Jota and a reported deterioration in Slot's relationship with Mohamed Salah.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The Namibia National Olympic Committee has announced a team of 23 athletes and 16 support staff to represent the nation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This marks Namibia’s eighth participation in the Games since its debut in 1994, with a historical total of 24 medals. The team, led by chef de mission Joseph Amakali, comprises athletes from six sports, including Paralympian Ananias Shikongo, one of the four bronze medalists from the 2022 Birmingham Games. Most of the selected athletes will be competing in their first Commonwealth Games. NNOC President Ndeulipula Hamutumwa expressed optimism for the team's success, recalling Namibia's previous performance in Glasgow in 2014. British high commissioner to Namibia, Neil Bradley, highlighted the Games as a celebration of shared Commonwealth values and anticipated Glasgow's warm welcome for Team Namibia. The event will feature 11 days of competition across 10 sports, including 6 para-sports, held at four venues.
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