Liverpool already know who they want to replace Arne Slot if they decide to make a change this summer.
The Dutchman’s position has come under increasing scrutiny after a miserable end to the season, with Liverpool’s hierarchy now facing a major decision over whether to stick or twist.
Xabi Alonso’s move to Chelsea has taken him off the market. He would have been the dream for many supporters, but he was never the club’s favourite choice. The latest reports suggest that’s Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
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Andoni Iraola emerges as Liverpool’s leading Arne Slot replacement
According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool are not ruling out ending Slot’s time in charge, and have already activated a path towards the soon-to-depart Bournemouth boss.
Richard Hughes knows Iraola very well, having been the man who brought him to the Premier League during his time on the south coast. It seems the club aren’t ruling out having to recruit a new coach in the summer, and they have a No.1 choice now.
The 43-year-old has done a remarkable job at Bournemouth, taking them to sixth in the Premier League despite losing his centre-back pairing and goalkeeper last summer, before seeing his best player move to Manchester City in January.
He has now decided to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season despite attractive offers to stay.
Iraola’s style is exactly what Liverpool should be looking for. His teams are aggressive and brave, but not one-dimensional. He can press high, dominate the ball, attack quickly or drop into a compact shape when needed.
Is Andoni Iraola the right man to replace Arne Slot this summer? 🤔
Liverpool do not just need emotion or intensity if Slot goes. They need a coach with structure, adaptability and a clear idea of how to rebuild confidence in a fractured squad.
Iraola also has a reputation for developing young players and creating a team-first environment without making himself the centre of the project.
That sounds like a Liverpool manager.
If Slot survives the review, this conversation can wait. But if FSG decide a change is needed, Liverpool could not do better in the current market than Iraola.
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