Iraola keen on Liverpool job as Reds move quickly to replace sacked Slot

Liverpool dismissed Arne Slot on Saturday, ending the Dutchman’s tenure at Anfield little more than a year after he guided the club to a 20th English league title. The club moved swiftly to identify a successor, with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola quickly emerging as the leading candidate.

Iraola is reported to want the Liverpool job, according to talkSPORT, and sits at the top of a short list that also includes Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness and Lens manager Pierre Sage. Outgoing Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is understood not to be under consideration by the Liverpool hierarchy.

The 42-year-old Spaniard has been one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe since announcing last month that he would not sign a new contract at Bournemouth. Both Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen held talks with his representatives before Liverpool moved to the front of the queue.

Iraola’s connection to Liverpool runs deeper than his reputation alone. He was appointed at Bournemouth in 2023 by Richard Hughes, who now serves as Liverpool’s sporting director — a relationship that is likely to smooth any potential negotiations.

His record on the south coast was consistently impressive. After previously steering Rayo Vallecano to promotion to La Liga and a Copa del Rey semi-final, Iraola led Bournemouth to 12th place in his first Premier League season, then ninth, before a sixth-place finish this term — just three points behind Liverpool in the final Champions League qualification spot. He left despite the club securing Europa League football, delivering what was described as an emotional farewell.

Slot, 47, was not afforded the same send-off. Having appeared set to continue into a third season, the former Feyenoord manager was relieved of his duties following what Fenway Sports Group described as a difficult decision.

“The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and — most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves — successful,” FSG said in a statement. “As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.”

FSG added: “From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it.”