Liverpool icon thrilled after 'learning Arne Slot's replacement' as he says 'big thumbs up'

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

SportFootballLiverpool FCFormer Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the leading candidate to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool after the Reds made the decision to sack the Dutchman on SaturdayEx-Liverpool forward Stan Collymore has admitted he is "very excited" that Andoni Iraola is the outright favourite to replace Arne Slot and believes he is an "excellent coach".The Reds confirmed in a statement on Saturday that Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect" following a disappointing end to the 2025/26 season. He joined from Rayo Vallecano in 2023 and turned the Cherries into an established Premier League outfit while playing an attractive brand of football.His high octane, pressing style is no doubt appealable to the Liverpool supporters, who feel like the squad lacked real pace and energy towards the back end of the season - and Iraola would bring that.Like Collymore, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is convinced that Iraola is the perfect fit.

I think he's done a fabulous job at Bournemouth," he told TNT Sports. "I think his style would suit Liverpool."But let's not beat around the bush.

But because of the link to Bournemouth and the guys that have come from Bournemouth to Liverpool in terms of board level, they will know him very well."But then there's other names out there as well that I'm sure will want that Liverpool job. But potentially to answer your question, I think he should be in the conversation, yes."Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCArne Slot