Outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is one of the hottest managers in European football this summer. Liverpool are on a growing list of admirers – including three German clubs and Crystal Palace – who all have the Spaniard high on their wish list.
Iraola is preparing to leave Bournemouth after leading the club through its best season ever. Now the Cherries are on the verge of their first European qualification in history.
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Only one point is needed from the last two games to secure European play. However, the dream of a shocking Champions League place was shattered when Aston Villa beat Liverpool. But no matter where Bournemouth end up, Iraola’s stardom has skyrocketed.
Afterwards today, Tuesday, Bournemouth will host Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium. – If Andoni Iraola lands a win, or a draw, Arsenal will be Premier League champions for the first time since the 2003-04 season.
His work on the south coast internally regarded by several big clubs as one of the season’s greatest coaching achievements.
Palace have already struck – but the Germans are coming
Crystal Palace have already made contact for the 43-year-old. They are still hoping to lure the Spaniard to Selhurst Park as a replacement for Oliver Glasner.
But one week is a long time in football, and Palace will have to be patient. Several other great opportunities are developing around Iraola.
Chelsea have hired Xabi Alonso, and Athletic Bilbao are going for Edin Terzic – it has changed the managerial image. But now interest from Germany is increasing sharply.
Eintracht Frankfurt want Albert Riera out the door as far as possible. Bayer Leverkusen are also preparing for change as they now move towards a divorce with Kasper Hjulmand. Both Bundesliga clubs greatly appreciate Iraola’s work.
VfB Stuttgart is also watching behind the scenes, amid the uncertainty surrounding Sebastian Hoeness. Sources understand that Hoeness has been touted as a possible Arne Slot replacement at Liverpool – and that ties the threads even closer.
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Iraola is attracted to the Bundesliga – but Liverpool can turn everything around
Sources say that Iraola himself will be open to a move to Germany. The Bundesliga is seen as an increasingly attractive next step in his career. But the Spaniard also has loyal admirers at Liverpool. A specific inquiry from the Reds could change everything.
“Spark Slot now!” – Liverpool described as a wreck
David Lynch in conversation with Anfield Index has come out hard: Liverpool must sack Arne Slot immediately. He calls the team a “wreck” and “screaming mediocrity in the middle of the table”. Liverpool have not yet made Iraola budge – but they could if they wanted to.
Those close to Iraola insist that there have been no formal talks with Liverpool so far. But they also admit that the opportunity to become a manager at Anfield will be seen as one of the most exclusive jobs in European football.
Richard Hughes – the connection that can decide everything
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes plays a crucial role. It was Hughes who persuaded Iraola to go to Bournemouth, and the two have developed a relationship built on immense mutual respect.
That connection is now being followed very closely, while the uncertainty surrounding Arne Slot is only increasing. Liverpool’s disappointing season has put a lot of pressure on the Dutchman. As TEAMtalk has previously revealed, serious internal discussions about the future of Slot are expected in the coming weeks – and it could still end with the fire.
Sources indicate that his status behind the scenes is not as certain as the club’s public message would have it. Mohamed Salah’s recent statements, combined with the team’s poor performance towards the end of the season, have only intensified the internal scrutiny.
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Liverpool have not contacted Iraola – yet
So far, Liverpool have not made any formal inquiry. The Bournemouth boss is still very much appreciated at Anfield. He is one of four managers the management considers if they decide to fire Slot.
And while others are reporting that the best manager in all of world football is now the favourite to succeed Slot – in a rather surprising turn of events – Iraola continues to wait. The only question is: Who throws their hat into the ring first?
