Former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is the bookies’ favourite to become Liverpool manager after the Reds sacked Arne Slot on Saturday.
Slot won Liverpool’s 20th league title in his first season in charge at Anfield, but his second season and their Premier League defence has been a disappointment.
The Reds finished the 2025/26 campaign in fifth place, which secured Champions League football for next season – but saw them finish 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
Liverpool lost 12 of their 38 league games, winning 17 games compared to the Gunners’ 26-game winning haul.
Dutchman Slot appeared to have lost the backing of the fans in the final games of the season – and the hierarchy have decided a change of leadership is needed in the dressing room.
Friends reunited?
Iraola is available having recently departed the Cherries – and he has previously worked with Liverpool director of football Richard Hughes, who.convinced Bournemouth to hire the Spaniard from Rayo Vallecano in 2023.
A Liverpool club statement confirmed the news of Slot’s departure on Saturday, saying: “That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying.
“The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful.
“As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.
Change is necessary
“At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward.
“Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.
“We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title.”
READ NEXT: World Cup 2026 analysis: Five veterans playing in their final World Cup
SportJustSport writers 
Michael Davey