Liverpool set for Andoni Iraola talks as quick deal for Arne Slot replacement takes shape
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
SportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool are expected to begin formal talks with Andoni Iraola's representatives this week as they look to step up the search for Arne Slot's successorLiverpool are expected to begin formal talks with Andoni Iraola's representatives this week as they look to step up the search for Arne Slot's successor.And the club ideally want to have the new manager in place before the World Cup begins on June 11.Iraola has emerged as a front runner for the role after Slot was sacked on Saturday after two seasons in charge that including him winning the club's 20th league title.The Spanish coach guided Bournemouth to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and they were in a position where qualification to the Champions League was still possible on the final weekend of the campaign earlier this month.Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes appointed Iraola at the Vitality Stadium three years ago, when the Reds chief held the same position on the south coast and the admiration for the job performed by the former Cherries boss runs deep at Anfield.Sources close to Iraola have remained tight lipped on the matter, choosing not to comment at this stage but Liverpool are keen to secure a successor sooner rather than later ahead of a critically important campaign.And it's understood Iraola is an ideal candidate as the club's owners Fenway Sports Group seek a more front-footed and aggressive style of football after a difficult campaign under Slot that saw the Reds lose 20 times across all competitions.Bournemouth, who finished the season unbeaten in their last 18 games, qualified for Europe for the first time in their history under Iraola, who is now a free agent having left at the end of the campaign.Under Iraola, the Cherries were widely regarded as one of the hardest-pressing and aggressive teams in the Premier League, with Slot regularly referencing their running statistics in the build up to fixtures between the clubs across the last two seasons.The 43-year-old Iraola was reported to be in talks with AC Milan last week and was wanted at Crystal Palace following Oliver Glasner's Selhurst Park departure but it was claimed he was holding out for interest from Liverpool, which will now be stepped up.Liverpool insists that pursuing a new manager won't lead to them focusing on just one specific candidate at this stage but Iraola has quickly emerged as the preferred target it is thought.Liverpool have drawn up a shortlist which is believed to also include Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart and Pierre Sage of Lens and are eager to make an appointment as early as possible to give Slot's successor enough to time to properly assess and prepare the squad for the new campaign.Slot was informed of Liverpool's decision to part ways after two seasons on Saturday morning before it became public knowledge at 12.30pm and the Dutchman's coaching staff have begun the process of formally confirming their own departures.Writing on social networking site Linkedin on Sunday evening, physical performance coach Ruben Peeters said: "After two unforgettable seasons with Liverpool FC it is time to say goodbye."Winning the Premier League together will always be a special memory and the ultimate highlight of this incredible journey."But above all, I am grateful for two years of going into work every day with so much enthusiasm, surrounded by amazing colleagues and great people."FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageChoose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCArne Slot