Liverpool set to confirm Iraola as Slot's replacement

Liverpool set to confirm Andoni Iraola as Slot's replacement

Former Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola will be the next Liverpool coach after the sacking of Arne Slot. Will the Spaniard bring success to Anfield? (Photo credit: BBC)

As club football reached a historic finale on Saturday in Budapest, with PSG rising above the Gunners on penalties, all attention will now turn to the buzzing transfer market.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in a few days; nations are preparing to do battle in North America. Squads are being finalized, and players are hoping to maintain peak fitness to perform optimally at the tournament.

The first point of call is Anfield, where Liverpool has confirmed the exit of Arne Slot after two seasons in charge. The Dutchman arrived from Feyenoord as the replacement for Jurgen Klopp, and he delivered the Premier League title on his first attempt.

Indifferent performances, an early exit in all cup competitions, and an undefined identity sum up Slot's second season at Liverpool. The club's title defense didn't last beyond the first quarter of the season, as they eventually finished in fifth spot.

Step forward, Andoni Iraola. The Bournemouth tactician has been named as the successor to Slot at Liverpool, and an official announcement is imminent. Will the Spaniard do a better job at Anfield?

Iraola is one of the most sought-after managers in Europe after leading the Cherries to their first-ever European football qualification. Liverpool's failure to beat Aston Villa to fourth spot on the log cost Bournemouth a spot in the Champions League, but they will make do with the Europa League.

Iraola's job won't be an easy one. The Reds just lost two key figures in Mohammed Salah and Andy Robertson. Iraola will need at least two center-backs, with Ibrahima Konaté leaving the club too. Will they recall Jarrel Quansah from his loan at Leverkusen?

Replacing Mo Salah seems like an impossible job. His numbers, leadership, and initiative are not common in Europe. The Reds missed out on Antoine Semenyo; now, they must be proactive in the transfer window.

Their medical team needs a revamp, too. Every team suffers from injuries, but Liverpool players spend too much time on the treatment table. The likes of Alexander Isak, Jeremy Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike have all spent extended time in the injury room; adding Alison to that list explains how it became difficult for them to defend their title.

The likes of Steven Gerrard and Salah have spoken about the return of heavy metal football. It can be said that Salah's rant contributed to the firing of Slot, but will Iraola be a better fit in the long term?