Liverpool in talks with Iraola as journalists debate whether he is the right fit

Liverpool are in talks with Andoni Iraola over their managerial vacancy after sacking Arne Slot, with the Spaniard quickly emerging as the leading candidate to take charge at Anfield. Iraola, who guided Bournemouth to Europa League qualification in his final season at the Vitality Stadium, would represent a significant step up in club size and expectation.

Slot’s second season at Liverpool was a sharp decline from his title-winning debut campaign. Fenway Sports Group ultimately lost patience despite injuries and off-field tragedy being cited as mitigating factors, with the consistent lack of quality in performances proving the decisive issue.

Mirror Football’s John Cross is firmly in favour of the appointment on footballing grounds. “Iraola built a fabulous team at Bournemouth: great to watch, utter chaos in a good way, who were so attacking and fearless,” he wrote. “Honestly, Bournemouth delivered some of the best performances and games that I saw last season.” Cross did raise one concern, however — the intangible question of profile and persona. “Clubs now need more than just a tactician,” he argued, pointing to the outsized ambassadorial role Jürgen Klopp filled during his nine years at the club. Cross also dismissed any lingering appetite for a Xabi Alonso return, calling Iraola “a much better fit” based on playing style.

Jeremy Cross struck a more cautious tone, warning that Iraola would be making “a huge leap of faith” by moving to one of the world’s biggest clubs. The scale of Liverpool — its history, its global fanbase, its unforgiving standards — is categorically different from anything Iraola has managed before, and Jeremy Cross suggested there would be little room for error or adjustment time.

The debate reflects a broader tension FSG now faces: Iraola’s attacking, high-energy football is an appealing antidote to the flatness of Slot’s second season, but whether he possesses the temperament and stature to thrive under the relentless scrutiny of Anfield remains an open question. No alternative candidates were named in the discussions, though the Mirror’s panel indicated FSG had been advised to explore other options should the Iraola talks stall.