What Liverpool are saying about Thiago and James Milner returns as Andoni Iraola talks underway
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Liverpool have now formally begun talks with Andoni Iraola about replacing Arne Slot as manager.Following Slot’s dismissal, it was speculated that the Reds could appoint a former player to the coaching staff moving forward.Thiago was mooted as an option, while James Milner was also mentioned after he announced his retirement from football.However, it has now emerged that neither ex-midfielder has actually been approached by Liverpool. Is Andoni Iraola the best option to replace Arne Slot?
Credit: AFC Bournemouth/Getty Images Liverpool have not approached James Milner or ThiagoA report from The Athletic on Tuesday has now said that ‘formal’ talks with the ex-Bournemouth manager are underway.This is great news for Liverpool fans, who could once again be treated to a similar style of play they saw from Jurgen Klopp for many years after having to endure Slot-ball last season.But when it comes to who Iraola will have on his coaching team at Anfield, that remains very much up in the air.As The Athletic explained: “Despite speculation about Liverpool looking to add a former player such as James Milner or Thiago to a new-look coaching staff, Liverpool insist that no such approaches have been made.”Who Iraola would want on his coaching team is expected to be a topic of conversation during the formal talks, it is added.It remains to be seen who will come in, but it is probably safer to assume that fitness coach Pablo de la Torre, who departed Bournemouth at the same time as the manager, will most likely follow him wherever he goes next.Iraola will bring a high-intensity style with him, but Jamie Carragher has questioned whether three Liverpool players can work under the new manager.He said: “My worry with that, is when we’re talking about Iraola, we go back to that style. Of course, a manager plays his style, but they’ve recruited for Arne Slot’s style, which was not quite Jurgen Klopp; it’s a bit more control.“Now, when we’re saying the football wasn’t great, you’re right.
He had a lot of attacking players on the pitch.“My thing is now Isak, Wirtz, Ekitike, I’m not sure they are those type of players. That’s my worry.”Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox