As negotiations accelerate to replace Arne Slot, the Spaniard’s high-intensity pressing and tactical aggression signal a return to the heavy-metal football that defined the iconic Klopp era.
More breaking news for Liverpool fans today as Andoni Iraola is now the clear favourite set take over as manager for the club, according to Fabrizio Romano.
This follows the club’s statement, which saw the dismissal of head coach Arne Slot, who has suffered from an incredibly poor season, despite the success he earned in his first.
What is happening?
As of right now, reports claim that Liverpool has decided on Andoni Iraola to become their next manager, with negotiations moving ‘forward quickly.’
There were a lot of managers available on the market following the near end of this season, notably including Xabi Alonso, who was a candidate for the Liverpool managerial role in 2024, following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. He has officially become the manager at Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Other names like Sebastian Hoeness (VfB Stuttgart) and Pierre Sage (RC Lens) have been touted by David Ornstein, but according to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool is making the formal steps to bring the current Bournemouth coach on board.
Will Andoni Iraoli be a success?
There should be optimism with this choice, as the Spanish coach’s style of play is something you would associate with a typical Liverpool side, given his high intensity and attacking style of play.
Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah referenced this in an impactful message he posted on social media, following the club’s defeat to Aston Villa.
Out of the 20 teams in the Premier League this season, Bournemouth placed first in the most final 3rd recoveries that led to shots (140), something very reminiscent of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. For reference, Liverpool placed 5th on the list with 124.
Thom Harris from the Athletic highlighted Iraola’s intense style of play and how important collectiveness is for the team to succeed, once again, very reminiscent of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool teams.
Once a relatively passive side without the ball, Bournemouth quickly became the standard-bearers for aggressive, front-footed pressing and athleticism, seeking to smother opposition build-up at source rather than sink into a low defensive block. The manager demands split-second decision-making from his players, switching from zonal to man-to-man marking systems when they sense an opportunity to close in. It relies on collective cohesion from back to front, and team-mates on high alert to jump forward in support once the first player commits to the press.
Iraola’s connection with Liverpool
Andoni Iraola was brought to Bournemouth back in 2023. The decision was made by none other than Liverpool’s current sporting director, Richard Hughes. But the connection doesn’t stop there, as Iraola was, of course, in charge of Liverpool’s current left back Milos Kerkez, who they signed from Bournemouth for £40 million last summer.
Milos Kerkez was widely seen as the best-performing left back in the Premier League during his final season at Bournemouth, but it took some time to get started at Liverpool, with some poor performances at the start of the campaign.
In his first season with Liverpool, Milos Kerkez achieved 2 assists in 48 matches, but at Bournemouth, he assisted 5 times in 7 fewer games (41).
Author’s verdict
If there’s an available manager you are looking at in world football to take over at Liverpool, his name is Andoni Iraola.
This is the best possible outcome for Liverpool due to the similarities in his style of play with what you would typically associate Liverpool with - the high-intense and attacking football that seems to have been lost this season.
Liverpool is the most successful team in England. It’s time to continue to build on that.
Whilst Arne Slot’s dismissal is a sad end, he brought the club its record 20th league title; hopefully, Andoni Iraola will want to be the man to increase that number.
