Liverpool told it could 'regret' Andoni Iraola hiring after delaying Arne Slot decision
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EXCLUSIVE: A former Liverpool defender is impressed with the club's decision to appoint Andoni Iraola, although he feels the club could be left regretting not firing Arne Slot soonerAndoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool's head coach(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool has been warned it could regret not firing Arne Slot sooner, despite Andoni Iraola being unveiled as the club’s new head coach this week.Former Bournemouth boss Iraola was confirmed as Slot’s successor on Thursday, less than a week after the Dutchman was fired following a poor second season in charge at Anfield.Iraola arrives having impressed during his time with the Cherries, particularly in securing European football for the first time in the club’s history this year. There was, though, one name many Liverpool fans had hoped to see land the job long before the 43-year-old had become the clear favorite to take over at Anfield.Xabi Alonso had been heavily linked with the job after being fired by Real Madrid back in January, but with Liverpool seemingly sticking by Slot, the Reds’ former midfielder instead took the vacant Chelsea job.Just a couple of weeks after Alonso was confirmed to be arriving at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool made a surprise U-turn as Slot was relieved of his duties, and former Reds defender Glen Johnson has told Liverpool.com the club could end up regretting delaying that decision.“It did surprise me a little bit that Liverpool didn’t do more to try and get Xabi Alonso in as the next manager,” Johnson said, via LiveFootballTickets.Xabi Alonso was confirmed as Chelsea's new manager shortly before Arne Slot was fired by Liverpool(Image: Alexander Hassenstein)“I think they could potentially regret not sacking Slot sooner in order to get Xabi in.
You never really know until you watch it play out.“I think over the next 12 to 18 months we’ll see if Liverpool made the right decision, waiting to sack Slot. Xabi is a Liverpool legend, and I’m sure the fans are disappointed it wasn’t possible for him to come in due to the timings.“I think he would have been highly considered for the role if Liverpool sacked Slot a few months ago before the end of the season and before Xabi signed with Chelsea.”On Slot’s firing, Johnson added: “I think it depends on the way you look at it, and you could argue it both ways.
Arne Slot did a great job as Liverpool manager, so it’s strange to see him sacked just a year after winning the Premier League.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. I think he could be a really exciting appointment and I can’t wait to see how he settles in and sets them up next season.”