Andoni Iraola appreciated by sections of Liverpool hierarchy

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from DaveOCKOP or go back to LFC Live.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly liked by “some sectors” of the leadership at Liverpool FC. Image Credits: Imago Images Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly an option to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool if it comes to it at the end of the season.

Mark Douglas of the i Paper has reported that Andoni Iraola is liked by some of the hierarchy at Liverpool FC, alongside Xabi Alonso while Eddie Howe was also considered by the Reds after Jurgen Klopp departed: “The availability of Xabi Alonso, while not necessarily a good stylistic fit for the squad he would inherit, complicates matters but The i Paper understands there is also enthusiasm in some quarters of the Liverpool brains trust about the work of Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who is set to be a free agent in the summer.” “Eddie Howe – whose future is less certain than it was at the start of the year – was considered for the job when Jurgen Klopp’s departure was signposted two years ago but bridges have been burned on that score by the elongated and damaging pursuit of Alexander Isak 12 months ago.” Iraola has overseen one of the most impressive rebuilds outside the Premier League’s established elite, taking a squad tipped for relegation into mid‑table safety and even flirting with the European places thanks to an aggressive, high‑pressing style that has won admirers across the division. Of course, the fact that Richard Hughes was the one who brought Iraola to Bournemouth during his time as the club’s sporting director will only feed into the speculation.

While this season has not been as impressive, with Bournemouth currently in 13th place, his side finished the 2024/25 campaign in 9th place. That speculation has been running with the Bilbao hierarchy moving to appoint a successor to Ernesto Valverde, who will leave at the end of the current season.