Liverpool appoint Andoni Iraola as new head coach

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their head coach on a two-year contract following the sacking of Arne Slot. The Reds announced Slot’s exit on Saturday, a year after the Dutchman guided them to the Premier League title, and have moved swiftly to bring in a successor. Former Bournemouth manager Iraola, 43, joins after delivering the Cherries’ finest top-flight season to date, finishing in sixth place.

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Marco Silva leaves Fulham amid links to Benfica

Fulham have announced that Marco Silva is leaving after five years as their head coach. The Portuguese is wanted by Benfica, who are poised to lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid. Silva departs having led Fulham to 11th in the Premier League for the second successive season, the fourth time the club have finished mid-table since winning promotion in Silva’s first campaign.

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Crystal Palace edge out Rayo to win Conference League

Jean-Philippe Mateta fired Crystal Palace to their first European trophy as the Eagles edged out Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final. The France striker turned home a close-range winner on the rebound from an Adam Wharton strike early in the second half in Leipzig. Outgoing Palace boss Oliver Glasner leaves the club having led them to the FA Cup, Community Shield and now Conference League in a remarkable two-and-a-half-year spell at Selhurst Park.

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Aston Villa outclass Freiburg to win Europa League

Dominant Aston Villa dispatched Freiburg to win the Europa League and end a 30-year trophy drought. First-half stunners from Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendia gave Villa control before Morgan Rogers’ strike sealed a second major European title 44 years after they won the European Cup. After falling short in the Conference League semi-finals and Champions League last-eight over recent times, Unai Emery brought European success back to Villa Park at the third time of asking.

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Chelsea appoint Xabi Alonso as new manager

Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Chelsea manager has been confirmed on a four-year deal. The former Real Madrid boss will take charge of the Blues from 1 July in what is his first managerial role in the Premier League. Callum McFarlane has been in interim charge since the sacking of Liam Rosenior last month and was on the touchline for Chelsea’s FA Cup final loss to Manchester City on Saturday.

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