Managing Liverpool as Andoni Iraola gets £60million reunion and replaces Mo Salah
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Should Andoni Iraola replace Arne Slot at Liverpool this summer he will have a major rebuild on his handsJust 12 months after claiming the Premier League title, Arne Slot has been dismissed by Liverpool. The 43-year-old Basque coach has made his mark with the Cherries through his brand of fluid and attacking football.Should Iraola become Liverpool's 23rd manager in their illustrious history, he will be forced to make some crucial decisions.
The 19-year-old Brazilian registered five goals and two assists, marking him out as one to watch.Liverpool ought to dig into their pockets and at least attempt to tempt the Bundesliga giants with a substantial bid for Olise, as they did with Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle last summer for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak respectively.Realistically, however, it is Rayan who would undoubtedly offer Iraola a youthful unpredictability on his right flank and would represent a considerably more affordable proposition.Get stars firing againWhile it's accurate that Iraola would need to conduct substantial summer reconstruction at Liverpool, he would inherit an array of talent already at his disposal. Iraola must unlock Isak, restore him to full fitness and reignite his goalscoring form, while identifying Wirtz's optimal role in the team could prove a considerably tougher challenge.With Hugo Ekitike sidelined for an extended spell following a ruptured Achilles tendon, Isak can lead the line, with the German playmaker operating behind him where he's free to pull the strings and inject fresh impetus into the Reds' attack.Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch require time to find their groove in a Liverpool shirt after appearing sluggish throughout the campaign, though offloading the former would raise transfer funds.
At some point next season, the pair ought to be fielded together to offer Iraola a glimpse of what lies ahead for Liverpool.Liverpool and Iraola also face a growing concern between the sticks. A significant task facing the manager is establishing equilibrium in Liverpool's midfield and he need look no further than Alex Scott.The deep-lying midfielder has demonstrated an ability to stay calm in possession and even netted four goals this season.