Bayer Leverkusen rival Crystal Palace for Liverpool-linked manager
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Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as an option for Liverpool-linked manager. Image Credits: Imago ImagesArne Slot spoke to the media on Friday as Liverpool prepare for their final game of the season against Brentford at Anfield on Sunday, with several key talking points emerging.Mohamed Salah’s recent comments, in which he called for Liverpool to return to a “heavy metal attacking team”, were also addressed and have added to the scrutiny around the manager.The situation has intensified pressure on Slot, who is keen to end a difficult campaign and turn focus towards next season, with the club expected to retain him in charge.Despite social media speculation on Thursday, Liverpool’s position on the manager is understood to remain unchanged.Looking ahead, Slot will have the opportunity to strengthen his squad in the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is being considered as a potential option should Liverpool change manager, although he is also attracting interest from Crystal Palace, who are searching for a replacement for Oliver Glasner.According to The Telegraph, Bayer Leverkusen are prepared to offer Iraola an alternative to Palace if the Spaniard decides to leave the Premier League.Iraola, who has confirmed he will leave Bournemouth after the season concludes on Sunday, is Palace’s top target this summer. However, reports from Germany claim Leverkusen are also keen to enter the race for the 43-year-old.Iraola has guided Bournemouth into Europe for the first time in their history.
Kasper Hjulmand has been in charge at Leverkusen since September but is expected to leave, opening the door for Iraola, with the club having finished sixth in the Bundesliga and qualified for the Europa League.Palace, meanwhile, are preparing for a European final next week in Glasner’s final game, with victory offering a route back into UEFA competition.Iraola has yet to make a final decision and was previously on Chelsea’s shortlist before they appointed Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title campaign.“Now, we are in a mood where we probably feel like it could happen,” Iraola said ahead of Nottingham Forest game at the City Ground.“What we have to do is control what we can control, which is our result against Forest. Andoni Iraola Bayer Leverkusen Crystal Palace