Big controversy: Liverpool are in talks with Andoni Iraola to be their new manager after Arne Slott’s sacking, with former Bournemouth manager set to take charge at Anfield
Andoni Iraola is set to replace Arne Slott (Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Within minutes of Liverpool announcing the sacking of Arne Slott, potential candidates to replace him were revealed. Andoni Iraola, who just led Bournemouth to the Europa League, was quickly named as the frontrunner to become the Reds’ new manager.
The Spaniard’s stock has gone up and up since arriving at the Vitality Stadium, just as Bournemouth’s Premier League season ended. But now it looks like Anfield will be his next step. He is tasked with revitalizing a team that just took a nose dive last year and seemed to be going in only one direction.
Slott’s second season at Liverpool was a stark contrast to his title-winning first, and while it was long thought injuries and tragedies would ease the situation, owners Fenway Sports Group ultimately couldn’t accept the constant monotony of performances. But is Iraora the right person to change that?
In this week’s Big Debate, we asked the Mirror Football team for their verdict.
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john cross
Andoni Iraola is a great choice for Liverpool. Introducing an exciting young manager who has established himself as one of the most exciting young managers in Europe.
Iraola built a great team at Bournemouth. They were a great team to watch, total chaos (in a good way), very aggressive and fearless. To be honest, Bournemouth had some of the best performances and games I saw last season.
But here, but…I’m concerned about his persona and profile. People may laugh and say it doesn’t matter, but it really does, especially in a global superpower like Liverpool.
They had Jurgen Klopp, who was a de facto ambassador because he was so good as a manager and as a personality. Arne Slot wasn’t very good, but he was a nice guy.
The club now needs more than just a tactician. Manchester City may find it difficult to move from Pep Guardiola to Enzo Maresca. And not just because we’re losing one of the greatest coaches of all time.
They must have a personality and character that promotes the club and enhances the club’s profile and status. That’s the reality.
Iraora can certainly do the soccer part, so let’s see if he can do that. And by the way, his football is much better than Xabi Alonso. Those who are eager for Alonso to return clearly don’t see his style. Iraora is far more qualified.
Is Andoni Iraola right for Liverpool? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Andoni Iraola has question marks (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Jeremy Cross
It would be a huge leap for Andoni Iraola to move from Bournemouth to Liverpool. Because Liverpool are on a whole new level to what he is used to. One of the world’s largest clubs, steeped in history and tradition.
And this is part of the problem. Failure is not an option. He will not be given a grace period. And he comes face to face with an ego he has never encountered before.
Liverpool should move heaven and earth to lure Luis Enrique to Anfield instead. Probably it won’t happen. But Liverpool should at least ask the question.
Because if the club is to regain its former glory, it needs the best active manager on the planet. And while it’s only natural that he will shine at important times, Iraola has no idea what awaits him on Merseyside.
Luis Enrique is a three-time Champions League winning manager (Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
nathan ridley
There is no doubt that Andoni Iraola is a good enough manager for Liverpool. He did a great job at Rayo Vallecano and made a name for himself in England thanks to his brilliant spell at Bournemouth, despite losing his best player.
However, I can’t shake the feeling that his personality doesn’t suit her. I respect him, but I have yet to see the steel he needs to do the job at Liverpool.
If I had to decide at Anfield, I would go for Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness. I don’t think the 44-year-old’s performances in the Bundesliga have received the recognition he deserves outside of Germany.
He has done an impressive job in his first 14 months, from the relegation play-offs to Champions League qualification, to winning the DFB Pokal in 2025, to reaching the final this season while finishing fourth.
Hoeness also plays the “heavy metal football” that some Liverpool fans, and perhaps Mo Salah’s recent performance in the slot, have been craving. Yes, Iraola knows the Premier League, but if I had to choose it would be Hoeneß.
Sebastian Hoeness revitalizes Stuttgart as they win the trophy (Image: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Dan Marsh
Andoni Iraola certainly feels like an exciting choice to take Liverpool forward after Arne Slott’s difficult tenure. Iraora’s stock has never been higher, and for good reason. The job he has done at Bournemouth has been nothing short of exceptional.
Finishing sixth is a remarkable feat after losing the likes of Milos Kerkes, Dean Heusen, Ilia Zabarny and Antoine Semenho (the latter left midway through the season). And the bold way Bournemouth achieved it makes it all the more impressive. His football should take it by storm at Anfield, but his best years as a coach are still a long way off.
The biggest thing Iraola should be aware of when he takes over as manager is the intense scrutiny that comes with running a truly elite club. The pressure he is under is a world apart from managing a club outside of the Premier League’s top teams. In that respect, as with all coaches, it’s sink or swim.
Yes, he has to juggle his Champions League campaign with domestic duties, and that means more games. And he will be expected to advance in all competitions.
It’s not a question of managing more games. He will adapt to the pressures that come with running a club like Liverpool. But judging from what I’ve seen of Iraola so far, I wouldn’t bet on him being successful.
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