Liverpool Eyes Andoni Iraola As Slot’s Replacement

Liverpool is set to open formal talks with Andoni Iraola as the club steps up efforts to appoint a new head coach following the departure of Arne Slot.

Naija News reports that the Reds parted ways with Slot on Saturday, just one year after the Dutchman led the club to the Premier League title.

Liverpool’s hierarchy is now keen to move quickly in naming a successor, with Iraola emerging as the leading candidate for the job.

According to BBC Sport on Monday, the 43-year-old Spaniard is highly rated by Liverpool after an impressive spell at Bournemouth.

Iraola guided the Cherries to their highest-ever Premier League finish, with the club ending the season in sixth place.

The result also secured Bournemouth a place in next season’s Europa League after they finished just three points behind Liverpool.

His performance on the south coast has attracted attention from several clubs across Europe, but Liverpool is now expected to accelerate discussions with him in the coming days.

Although Iraola is widely expected to be offered the position, Liverpool also considered other candidates before settling on him as the frontrunner.

Among those linked with the role are Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness and Lens boss Pierre Sage.

However, Iraola’s Premier League experience, tactical approach and recent success with Bournemouth are believed to have strengthened his chances of landing the Liverpool job.

The Spaniard had earlier announced in April that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.

He has since attracted interest from Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, could play an important role in the appointment process.

Hughes previously worked with Iraola during his time as Bournemouth’s technical director, and that relationship may prove significant as Liverpool looks to finalise its next managerial move.

The Reds are believed to be looking for a coach who can restore the aggressive and high-intensity football associated with the club in recent years.

Slot’s exit was reportedly influenced by the club’s desire to move in a different tactical direction despite securing Champions League qualification.

Although Liverpool qualified for next season’s Champions League, their league campaign fell below expectations.

The Reds finished with 60 points, their lowest tally since the 2015-16 season.

They also ended the campaign 25 points behind champions Arsenal, a gap that reportedly convinced the club’s leadership that changes were needed.

Slot’s departure comes only a year after he delivered the Premier League title, but Liverpool now appear ready to begin a new phase under a different manager.

A former Spain international, Iraola spent most of his playing career at Athletic Bilbao before moving into management.

He began his coaching career with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus before managing Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano in Spain.

He later joined Bournemouth in 2023, where he built a reputation for organised, energetic and attack-minded football.

Liverpool is expected to intensify talks with Iraola as they seek to have a new manager in place before the start of pre-season preparations.