Liverpool are in talks with Andoni Iraola to become their next head coach at Anfield following the sudden sacking of Arne Slott at the weekend.
Liverpool are in talks with Andoni Iraola to become the club’s next manager. (Image: (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images))
Liverpool want to ensure they appoint a head coach whose philosophy is in line with the club’s vision as negotiations begin with Andoni Iraola. The Reds are looking for a replacement after sacking Arne Slott at the weekend, and the former Cherries manager is close to being appointed.
Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner to take charge of Anfield, having led the Cherries to their first Europa League appearance in the club’s history. The Spanish manager, who is due to leave the Vitality Stadium when his contract expires this summer, has built an impressive reputation for his attacking and free-flowing football.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is leading the Reds’ search for a new manager and is familiar with Iraola from his time at Bournemouth.
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Reds executives are in no rush to make an appointment and want to carry out a full interview process with candidates. The club has not approached any individuals looking to join Iraola’s backroom staff, and no decision has yet been made on the managerial position.
Iraola is the front-runner to replace Slott and is in talks with AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen to take over the esteemed club. But reports emerged last week that the 43-year-old was waiting for the Liverpool job to become available, which could have forced him to make a move on the Reds at the weekend.
Liverpool sacked Slott after two years at Anfield following a disappointing season. The Reds won the Premier League title in his first year in charge, but their form declined significantly last season.
Liverpool announced the sacking of Arne Slott on Saturday. (Image: DARREN STAPLES, AFP, Getty Images)
Slott was said to have been surprised by the club’s decision to let him go, although plans were already underway for the summer transfer window.
Commenting on the decision to part ways with the Dutch head coach, the club’s owners said in a joint statement: “It goes without saying that this was a difficult decision for us as a club. 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 that he was someone who would not only accept responsibility, but embrace it. That was evident when he agreed to become head coach, when he led us to the Premier League title, and when we just finished a season that faced considerable challenges and burdens.
“At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that changes are necessary for the club to continue moving forward. Once again, I must stress that this is not a decision taken lightly.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to put on record our gratitude to Mr. Arne, who will always have a special place in the history of this football club as the manager who led Liverpool to their 20th league title. That achievement is all the more remarkable because it was his first season in charge, but it was built on his outstanding coaching and leadership every day.”
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“He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the death of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that period says a lot about him as a person.
“As such, we can only wish Arne every success in the next phase of his coaching career and look forward to his continued success. We do so knowing that his legacy at Liverpool remains intact and will become even more relevant in the years and decades to come.”
“Nonetheless, the conclusions we have reached are built on the belief that it is best to reorient the team’s trajectory. It does not diminish the work Arn has done here or our respect for him. Nor is it a reflection on his talent. Rather, it points to the need for a different approach.”
“Arn leaves with a grateful heart, a Premier League title to his name, and knowing that he and his family will always be welcome back to Anfield.”
