How Jurgen Klopp may have played a role in Liverpool’s decision to hire Andoni Iraola
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool may have asked Jurgen Klopp for advice about who to hire as their replacement for Arne Slot, according to pundit Jan Age Fjortoft.The Reds look likely to appoint Andoni Iraola as their second head coach since Klopp’s exit in 2024, with the Basque quickly emerging as an overwhelming favourite.Iraola sets his teams up in a manner reminiscent of the legendary former Liverpool manager‘s high-pressing, fast-flowing sides, and as Fjortoft told ESPN FC on Sunday, talk in Germany is that Klopp might have had a hand in directing his old club towards the right coach. What does Andoni Iraola need to do to get Liverpool players on his side early on?
Slot has left some wreckage behind… Liverpool looked to Klopp for managerial adviceSince Slot arrived at Liverpool he has been compared to Klopp, which has almost always been a nuisance to his chances of success.As with Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, Liverpool could perhaps do without the spectre of Klopp looming over the club.Nevertheless, his advice is always welcome, and according to Fjortoft, Reds decision-makers have been seeking it as they look for their next appointment.READ MORE: Liverpool players had four big issues with Arne Slot before he left including Dominik Szoboszlai concernsPhoto by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images“Everybody says that Iraola is the big favourite,” says the former Norway international.“I just got back from Germany today, there was talk that they’ve asked Jurgen Klopp for advice who could be the new Liverpool coach, that makes sense as well. “The big wet dream for any Liverpool fan is to get Klopp back, but I can’t see that happening.
But I do understand that Iraola will play with the cards he’s got.”Given the reportedly tense relationship between Michael Edwards and Klopp, Liverpool fans will have to decide for themselves whether FSG really have sought the counsel of their former manager.Either way, it is easy to see Klopp giving his approval to Iraola, who very much plays football in his image. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox