Liverpool are poised to appoint Andoni Iraola as their new manager, with discussions progressing well and an announcement potentially arriving later this week, according to sources close to the club. This decision comes after the club determined they would not pursue Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, despite his strong links and Liverpool legend status, as early as March.
The change in management at Anfield follows the club’s end-of-season review, which resulted in the sacking of Arne Slot on Saturday. While speculation suggested Liverpool may have missed out on Alonso by not acting sooner, reports from The Athletic’s Oliver Kay indicate this was not the case. Liverpool were aware they would not move for Alonso if Slot were dismissed, a decision based on stylistic preferences.
Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard theorised that Liverpool’s reluctance stemmed from Alonso’s more controlled and less aggressively paced approach to football. He suggested Iraola’s style is much closer to the “vollgas” football that characterised Jurgen Klopp’s successful tenure. This assessment was corroborated by Ben Jacobs, who confirmed Liverpool’s desire to return to a front-foot, high-press style of play.
While Alonso delivered a Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen, his tactical approach was deemed unsuitable for Liverpool’s desired identity. The club, according to Kay, could have approached Alonso before his move to Chelsea – he shares an agent with Iraola – but deliberately chose not to. Iraola has reportedly turned down interest from Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen, and AC Milan to take the job at Anfield.
Liverpool sought advice from outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp before settling on Iraola, but only after ruling out other options. The appointment of Iraola signals a clear intention to maintain a high-intensity, attacking style of football, aligning with the club’s recent history and the expectations of its supporters. He is expected to immediately address squad composition, with potential signings and departures already being discussed.
