By George Rostron
Liverpool are looking to act quickly and decisively to appoint its new head coach. Not even an hour had passed between the bombshell news that Arne Slot had been sacked and the news that Andoni Iraola was being clearly named as the favourite to take over. It’s beginning to look all but officially confirmed after multiple sources have named-dropped the former Bournemouth manager as the Reds gear up for what’s turning out to be another busy summer.
LATEST - Iraola Front-Runner According to Outlets
Credit: The Times
Reliable Football journalist Fabrizio Romano exclusively revealed the news of Arne Slot's sacking just after noon yesterday. He also mentioned Andoni Iraola being the clear favourite to take over, and just forty-eight minutes later, he confirmed that Iraola is set to become the next Liverpool manager “The negotiations will move forward quickly to get it done with formal steps, but LFC decision made…Iraola will be the next manager”. According to the man himself, a famous ‘Here We Go’ is expected soon.
Other notable journalists have also confirmed Iraola as the frontrunner. Ben Jacobs stated, “Andoni Iraola is the standout candidate to replace Arne Slot, and talks are expected to move quickly”.
David Ornstein of The Athletic gave a similar update, “Andoni Iraola clear favourite to succeed Arne Slot as Liverpool Boss”, whilst also mentioning that “LFC may talk to other candidates like Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness & Pierre Sage of Lens”. However, this is likely to be a pointless precaution, as, in his update, Ornstein clearly stated that the “43yo Spaniard is the leading contender,” before citing the close relationship Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, has with Iraola, having worked together previously at Bournemouth.
Finally, TalkSport journalist Alex Cook has indicated that Crystal Palace have now actually targeted the mentioned Lens boss Pierre Sage, as Iraola, who was linked with The Eagles, is widely expected to become Liverpool boss. Sky Sports and the BBC have further reported that Andoni Iraola will be the man to take charge next season at Liverpool Football Club.
With news emerging just the other day that the former Bournemouth boss had walked away from talks with AC Milan and then seemingly self-decelerated interest in the then non-open position at LFC, you’d imagine he was made aware of the imminent news. Journalist Lewis Steele almost confirms this suspicion, mentioning “Andoni Iraola is holding out for the Liverpool job, hence his reluctance to take others in the last 10 days, despite talks”.
The Right Man For The Job?
Credit: Football Espana
It should come as no surprise after the season Bournemouth had that once Iraola announced he would be leaving, top clubs would be sniffing about for his signature. Everyone in the Premier League will now be familiar with his style of play. Iraola favours a 4-2-3-1 formation with high pressing to win the ball back and direct passes into the number 9 and attacking midfielders to exploit opponents before they can get organised defensively.
This prioritises fast attacks, intense pressing, and physicality, reminiscent of the ‘heavy metal football’ from Jurgen Klopp. A stark contrast to the slow, almost boring, approach from Arne Slot's Liverpool side this season. His footballing philosophy, I’m sure, will be welcomed by the Anfield crowd, and if he is the man to take charge as is indicated, a buzz around Liverpool Football Club will almost certainly return.
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