Pep Guardiola already gave Andoni Iraola seal of approval as Liverpool 'decision made'

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Liverpool is reportedly closing in on Andoni Iraola as the club's new manager after Arne Slot's firing, and the former Bournemouth boss would come with Pep Guardiola's seal of approvalAndoni Iraola has been given the seal of approval from Pep Guardiola as Liverpool looks to be closing in on his appointment(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool could be about to hire an “incredible” manager in Andoni Iraola, according to Pep Guardiola.The former Bournemouth boss is the frontrunner to succeed Arne Slot after Liverpool made the surprise decision to fire its head coach on Saturday. Slot’s dismissal comes after a poor 2025/26 campaign, which saw the Reds end the season trophyless and barely scraping Champions League qualification.The search is now on for Liverpool’s new manager, although if reports are to be believed, the club may have already found its man, with former Bournemouth boss Iraola being prepared to step into the dugout at Anfield.According to Fabrizio Romano, the former Iraola will take over at Liverpool, with the “decision made” already as negotiations are said to be moving forward quickly, despite Slot’s dismissal being announced less than 24 hours ago.Iraola would arrive with a growing reputation as a manager following his time in charge of Bournemouth, where he was hired by current Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes in 2023.The 43-year-old led the Cherries to European qualification for the first time in their history this season, and even had them still in contention for a Champions League place heading into the final game of the campaign.Andoni Iraola will reportedly become Liverpool next manager(Image: Getty Images)During his time on the south coast, Iraola has earned plenty of plaudits for the style in which his side played, and he has gained some high-profile fans, including Guardiola.“Andoni is an incredible, well-respected manager in Spain and did an incredible job in Rayo Vallecano,” the outgoing Manchester City boss said back in 2023."[Bournemouth are] playing offensive and attractive football.

What I see is an alive team. It’s a team with good sprit, not set back, and of course the result gives confidence and when you don’t have it, you can’t produce that."In Spain he is one of the youngest managers that has a better future - and training in the Premier League is an incredible success for him."Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.

Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Guardiola also hailed Iraola’s Bournemouth side as one of the frontrunners for the modern game last year, having seemingly taken some inspiration from the Cherries to get City back on track after an uncharacteristic slump in form."The way that modern football is, is the way that Bournemouth play, the way that Brighton play, that Newcastle play, like we were [playing], that is modern football," he said."Today, modern football is not positional, you have to ride the rhythm, it is unbelievable, and we could not, simply we could not because we did not have the players.”If Iraola is indeed about to succeed Slot, Liverpool will hope Guardiola’s praise translates into a return to form next season, and the club challenging for trophies again after this season’s slump.