Is Andoni Iraola The Right Man For The Liverpool Job?

BusinessSportsMoneyIs Andoni Iraola The Right Man For The Liverpool Job?ByGraham Ruthven,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I am a soccer writer based in the United KingdomFollow AuthorJun 02, 2026, 05:37pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Head Coach Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth in his last game in charge after his sides 1-1 draw during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth at City Ground on May 24, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)AFC Bournemouth via Getty ImagesOnly a matter of weeks ago, it seemed inevitable that Xabi Alonso would lead Liverpool into the 2026/27 season. The former midfielder was available after leaving Real Madrid in January and Arne Slot was struggling badly to turn around a disappointing campaign for the defending Premier League champions.It was therefore unsurprising that Slot was fired on Saturday. More surprising was that Liverpool waited until Alonso was off the market to make this decision, pushing Slot out the Anfield exit door two weeks after the Spaniard had accepted another job offer from Chelsea. Instead, Liverpool is reportedly set to hire Andoni Iraola.Iraola is highly-rated in his own right, but he favours a very different kind of soccer to Alonso, and Slot for that matter. At Bournemouth, he forged one of the best quick-transition teams in the Premier League, taking the Cherries to new heights. In Iraola’s final match in charge, Bournemouth qualified for the Europa League for the first time.Liverpool manager Arne Slot ahead of the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday May 24, 2026. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)PA Images via Getty ImagesOver the last few seasons, Liverpool has moved towards a more possession-orientated style....