Liverpool had agreed to strengthen Arne Slott’s coaching team, but appear to have made a dramatic U-turn and sacked the Dutchman instead. Even in the hours before Slott left Anfield, the manager believed that Etienne Leinen was supposed to arrive from Feyenoord.
The Reds announced Slott’s departure on Saturday afternoon, with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola named as the frontrunner to replace him. The Spaniard revealed earlier this season that he would be leaving the Cherries this summer.
The decision appears to mark a surprising reversal from a few days ago. Liverpool are said to be closing in on Leinen, who previously worked with Slott at Feyenoord.
The player reportedly resigned from the Dutch club earlier this month and informed those around him that he was preparing to move to a Premier League club. Liverpool have reignited their pursuit of Slott when he first joins the club in 2024, having previously been unable to obtain a work permit.
The Telegraph reports that Leinen has bid farewell to Rotterdam officials and is preparing to move to Anfield. As of 5.30pm on Friday evening, there was no indication that plans had changed.
Slott’s sacking means any reinforcements could be shelved, with the next manager expected to appoint his own coaching team, whether it’s Iraola or another candidate. In Iraora’s case, that could include Tommy Elphick.
The Bournemouth assistant manager turned down the chance to take charge at Bristol City this week and is understood to be carefully considering his next move.
Bournemouth are hoping to retain the manager under next manager Marco Rose, but the Telegraph reports that they are keen to bring Iraola to Anfield if he becomes Liverpool’s new manager.
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard reflected on Iraola’s possible use on TNT Sport, saying: “I think he’s done a great job at Bournemouth. I think his style suits Liverpool, but let’s not be too crazy.”
“Liverpool Football Club is an attractive job for many elite managers around the world.
“So I don’t think he’s the only one on the list, but they will be familiar with him because of his links with Bournemouth and the players who have come from Bournemouth to Liverpool at board level.”
