Why Liverpool want Iraola and what he could bring to Anfield
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Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Andoni Iraola is expected to replace Arne Slot as Liverpool bossThe connection between Richard Hughes, Liverpool's sporting director, and Andoni Iraola is well documented - with Hughes in post as technical director at Bournemouth when the Spaniard got his first break in English football in 2023.Iraola finished the job this season with an 18-game unbeaten run that saw the Cherries finish sixth and achieve European football for the first time.The 43-year-old's managerial path has taken him from AEK Larnaca in Cyprus to Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano in Spain, then to Bournemouth, so it is little surprise his is a career light on silverware - the Cypriot Super Cup in 2018 remains the only trophy he has won as a manager. But he has often overachieved, with Bournemouth securing a club-record finish in each of his three campaigns.Now Hughes and Michael Edwards, chief executive of Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG), believe Iraola is the man to re-establish the Reds as one of Europe's top clubs.
One of the key reasons Liverpool parted ways with Slot was his style of play, with lacklustre performances stirring boos from the Anfield crowd in his final term.Hughes saw first-hand how toxic the home atmosphere was when he attended Liverpool's 1-1 draw against Chelsea in May."Intensity is our identity" was the phrase coined by Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp's assistant, during their time at Anfield. "I think his [Iraola's] style would suit Liverpool," he added.Liverpool need someone who commands his team to play with energy to bring the joy back to Anfield.
For Hughes, whose contract expires next summer, Iraola's appointment could define his tenure at Liverpool. "Of course, Bournemouth is nothing like the scale of the task at Liverpool but Andoni is so driven and that's why he's so successful and why I think it will all work out at Anfield."Iraola started last season in the Anfield dugout when his Bournemouth side lost 4-2 to the Reds.