Liverpool have sacked manager Arne Slott and begun the search for a new manager, with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola quickly emerging as the front-runner to replace him at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola is Liverpool’s top choice (Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola is keen to become Liverpool’s new manager after the Reds sacked Arne Slott. Liverpool announced shortly after midday on Saturday that Slott, 47, had been sacked after a difficult second season in charge.
Iraola emerged as the frontrunner from a small list of candidates that also included Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness and Reims manager Pierre Sarge. The Spaniard turned down a new contract at Bournemouth, where he spent three impressive seasons, but is now available.
Demand for Iraola’s services has increased since his decision was announced last month. Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen have both held talks with his agent, but Liverpool have jumped to the front of the queue.
Talksport report that Iraola is keen to take the reins at Anfield following his departure from Slott. He added that outgoing Palace manager Oliver Glasner was not considered by the Liverpool bosses.
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Iraola was appointed by Liverpool’s current sporting director Richard Hughes to Bournemouth in 2023. It came after Iraola guided Spanish side Rayo Vallecano to promotion to La Liga and also reached the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. His stock continued to rise on the south coast of England, finishing 12th in his first season at Bournemouth.
The former Athletic Bilbao captain led the Cherries to ninth place last season and this season they finished sixth, three points behind Liverpool for the final Champions League spot. Despite qualifying for the Europa League with Bournemouth, Iraola stuck to his decision and had an emotional farewell.
Initially, it was expected that he would stay on next season, but Slott was not allowed to do the same. But Liverpool decided to make the change just over a year after the former Feyenoord manager engineered the club’s 20th English title.
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Andoni Iraola is set to replace Arne Slott (Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
“It goes without saying that this was a difficult decision for us as a club,” owner Fenway Sports Group said in a lengthy statement. “The contribution Arn has made to Liverpool FC during his time with us has been significant, meaningful and above all a success for our supporters and ourselves.
“Therefore, we could not be more grateful for everything he has accomplished, especially as it is underpinned by his work ethic, diligence and level of expertise, which further underscores our view that he is a leader in his field.
“From the moment I first met Arne, it was immediately clear to me that he was someone who not only accepted responsibility, but embraced it.”
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