Ex-Liverpool star has a warning for players about Andoni Iraola — 'We couldn't take it in'

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesAndoni IraolaAndoni Iraola is the clear favorite to succeed Arne Slot as Liverpool's new manager, although one former Red has suggested the club's players could struggle at first under the former Bournemouth bossAndoni Iraola is the clear favorite to become Liverpool's next manager(Image: Getty Images)Andoni Iraola looks to be well on course to become Liverpool’s new manager — although one former Red has already suggested the club’s players could struggle with his demands when he arrives.Formal talks are getting underway with the former Bournemouth boss as Liverpool looks to quickly appoint a successor to Arne Slot. The Dutchman was fired on Saturday following a poor second season in charge, which saw the Reds finish trophyless and only just scrape Champions League qualification.The process to find a new manager looks to be moving along quickly, with Iraola the clear favorite to take over at Anfield.The 43-year-old would arrive with plenty of glowing reviews from his time at Bournemouth, having led the Cherries to a spot in Europe for the first time in their history this year after being in the running for the Champions League right up until the final game of the season.Among those who will be able to give a positive outlook for Liverpool’s players is Dominic Solanke, who spent a year playing under Iraola, having joined Bournemouth from the Reds in 2019.That single season saw Solanke score 21 goals in 42 games, and the striker has credited Iraola’s style with his good form that campaign, which led to him earning a transfer to Tottenham.Dominic Solanke played for a year under Andoni Iraola at BournemouthSolanke though has also admitted he struggled at first with Iraola’s demands in what could be an early indication of what Liverpool’s players can expect this summer.“We couldn’t take in all the information at first,” Solanke told The Times in December 2023.“For me, I’m pressing with a No.10 behind me and, at first, our timing was off.

We didn’t know when to press or to drop, but now it’s second nature as the manager has gone through it many times and it’s embedded in our heads and we are all on the same wavelength. It’s natural now.”Iraola will be tasked with lifting the spirits at Anfield, with supporters having shown clear signs of losing patience with Slot during his final year in charge, while players also seemed to be less than happy.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.

Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Solanke though has painted a picture that should come as encouragement to Liverpool’s squad after a difficult year.“Iraola’s really good with the players,” he added. He’s very detailed in his tactics so we have a lot of meetings.