Liverpool supporters have been told that a former player is likely to arrive as part of the new manager’s coaching staff this summer.
Andoni Iraola is widely expected to replace Arne Slot in the dugout at Anfield, and barring anything surprising, the Basque will be appointed before the start of the World Cup later this month.
Who Iraola brings as part of a new look Liverpool coaching staff has been a key part of the discussion for fans since Slot was sacked on Saturday, and according to journalist David Lynch, they could well see former midfielder Thiago Alcantara join the team.
What does Andoni Iraola need to do to get Liverpool players on his side early on?
Slot has left some wreckage behind…
Thiago a possibility for Anfield return
Since leaving Liverpool in 2024, Thiago has embarked on a coaching journey, becoming part of Hansi Flick’s staff at Barcelona for the 2025/26 campaign.
But after winning La Liga, Thiago left Barcelona earlier this month, setting the rumour mill whirring about a potential return to Anfield.
And according to Lynch, with Slot now sacked, there is a very genuine possibility that the 35-year-old returns. At the very least, the reporter claims that he’s had discussions which suggest an unnamed former Liverpool player will definitely return this summer.
READ MORE: Key Liverpool coach confirms he will leave with Arne Slot as Andoni Iraola lines up replacement
“I do expect there to be someone with a Liverpool background to come in and be part of that coaching staff,” Lynch told Anfield Index on Monday.
“I mean, Thiago makes an awful lot of sense. I wouldn’t rule out that possibility at all. I did have a conversation yesterday regarding the possibility, and I expect there will be someone who has played for Liverpool previously to be on that staff, but we wait to see who it is.”
With James Milner having announced his retirement on Monday and Steven Gerrard also free and available, Lynch commented on the possibility of either joining, suggesting that Thiago feels like the most realistic option.
Is Andoni Iraola the best option to replace Arne Slot? If not, who would you appoint?
“James Milner’s just retired, I don’t know if he’s looking to go directly into coaching, we’ll keep an eye on that one,” he said. “I don’t think it’ll probably be Stevie to be honest, but that’s just my personal view.
“But Thiago Alcantara, the fact he’s Spanish, he’s got that link there with Liverpool, he’s played in the Premier League before and you’ve got that Spanish coach. That just makes a lot of sense doesn’t it. So, maybe one to keep an eye on.”
There has been news since the weekend that Iraola will bring Tommy Elphick with him from Bournemouth, with the boyhood Liverpool fan being thrust into a dream job.
However, with most of Slot’s backroom team expected to depart, there is room for more than one coach on Iraola’s team, and it looks like Liverpool are keen to get the fans on board by putting a familiar face next to the Spaniard in the dugout.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
