Andoni Iraola's Liverpool wish came true the last time he faced Reds

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCAndoni Iraola is the heavy favorite to replace Arne Slot following the Dutchman's firing by Liverpool, and Iraola got his wish the last time he came up against SlotAndoni Iraola hugs Arne Slot after Bournemouth's win over Liverpool in January(Image: 2026 Getty Images)Andoni Iraola has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool after the Dutchman was fired following an end-of-season review.Slot's departure was somewhat surprising, after it had been consistently reported in recent weeks that Champions League qualification would be enough to ensure he would be given the chance to lead Liverpool into next season.However, it was ultimately decided that the club wanted to go in a different direction, and the hunt is now under way for his replacement.The clear favorite to take over from Slot is Iraola, who left Bournemouth at the end of the season following an impressive stint there which almost saw the South Coast club qualify for the Champions League.The Spaniard has had plenty of positive things to say about Liverpool over the years, and earlier this year he earned his first win against the Reds, as Bournemouth scored a late goal to win a thrilling game 3-2 at the Vitality Stadium.Going into that game, Liverpool was the only club that Iraola had a 100 per cent losing rate against as Bournemouth boss.Ahead of the meeting, Iraola said: "I think it's the only club against which I've never managed to get a point."It's been two and a half seasons already. So I want to achieve it.

I know it's not easy."Iraola ultimately got his wish as Amine Adli scored in the 94th minute to secure all three points for Iraola's men.Amine Adli celebrates after scoring Bournemouth's winning goal against Liverpool(Image: 2026 Getty Images)Now, Iraola could get his chance to manage the Reds, who are reported to have already approached the 43-year-old about the vacancy.Liverpool fired Slot largely because the club feels as though a shift in the team's style of play is required in order to bounce back from a disappointing 2025-26 season.The Reds also feel as though the landscape of the Premier League has changed in recent years, leading to a different set of skills being required.Many Reds fans were left frustrated by the team's performances this term and a perceived passive approach, and the club intends to hire a replacement who implements a more aggressive and front-foot style.Iraola is known for playing in that manner during his spell at Bournemouth, which is also similar to how the team played under previous manager Jurgen Klopp.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FC