News Focus
- Liverpool FC reach verbal agreement with Andoni Iraola to become new head coach this week
- Spaniard leaves AFC Bournemouth after guiding them to sixth place and European qualification
- Ex-Reds midfielder Danny Murphy backs appointment to restore fan excitement
- Concerns raised over Iraola’s lack of experience at big clubs and in European competitions
- Club seeks return to high-energy, attacking style similar to Jurgen Klopp era
Liverpool FC are set to confirm Andoni Iraola as their new manager this week. The 42-year-old will take over from Arne Slot, who left the club on Saturday.
The Merseyside club acted quickly to find a replacement. They reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish coach on Tuesday.
Iraola joins from AFC Bournemouth, where he enjoyed an impressive campaign. He led the Cherries to sixth place in the Premier League last season. This achievement secured European football for the south coast club for the first time in their history.
However, some supporters worry about his background. He has never managed a major club before. He also lacks experience in European tournaments.
Danny Murphy, who played for Liverpool in the past, welcomes the move. He believes the fans will feel enthusiastic again.
“I am quite excited,” said Murphy, who now works as a television pundit. “When you watch Bournemouth play, you see courage. They press with high energy and play attacking football. There is no reason to think he will not do the same at Anfield.”
Murphy added that the supporters needed a change. “When fans become unhappy with the manager and his style, you are only delaying the inevitable. Bringing in Iraola gives the fans hope for the new campaign. They will not start the season with fear.”
Other coaches have found it difficult to step up to big clubs. Thomas Frank recently moved from Brentford to Tottenham Hotspur and faced problems.
Murphy does have some reservations. He thinks Iraola might be surprised by the pressure at Liverpool. “It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. Everything you do is scrutinised globally,” he explained.
The former midfielder also worries about fitness levels. “Klopp’s teams played with flying full-backs and dynamic midfielders. The current squad lacks legs and dynamism. The summer transfer window is huge for Liverpool. They need brilliant players who work hard off the ball.”
Slot won the league title in his first season in charge. However, his team finished fifth in his second year, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
Peter Bolster, from the Spion Kop podcast, told BBC Radio Merseyside he feels excited again. “Large parts of last season I was not excited to watch Liverpool. Now I am excited for the project.”
Fan Ian Walker has mixed feelings. He said the poor style of play under Slot needed to change. But he noted the job has proved too much for some managers in the past.
Ste Plunkett, from The Redmen TV, thinks Iraola is a good fit. “Of the managers available, this seems obvious. He does not worry about reputation. He will go into the job invigorated.”
Liverpool want to return to front-foot, aggressive football. They hope Iraola can deliver a style similar to the one they played under Jurgen Klopp.