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Liverpool Seek Iraola as New Coach Before World Cup

6/2/2026

Summary

Liverpool Pursues Iraola

Liverpool have opened talks with Andoni Iraola to replace Arne Slot as head coach.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is leading the search after Slot’s dismissal on Saturday.
Liverpool hope to appoint Iraola before the World Cup on June 11 because his 4-2-3-1 system matches the desired aggressive, front-footed style.
Agent Iñaki Ibáñez is handling negotiations for Iraola, who may bring former Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick to Anfield.

Summary

Liverpool Overhauls Defense

Jeremy Jacquet’s £55 million transfer to Liverpool, completed in February, is intended to replace Ibrahima Konaté in central defence.
Alisson Becker remains under contract until summer 2027 despite Juventus interest, leaving his future uncertain.
Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are set to leave, removing key leadership from attack and defence.
Virgil van Dijk is expected to partner Jeremy Jacquet in central defence for Iraola’s opening match, while Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman covered Alisson’s 26 league appearances this season.

Summary

Liverpool Revamps Attack

Yan Diomande leads the chase to replace Mohamed Salah, with a reported £87 million fee and the ability to play wings, likely the right.
Florian Wirtz could thrive under Andoni Iraola, gaining freedom to attack half-spaces and make late runs absent in his first Anfield season.
Hugo Ekitike’s ACL injury sidelines him for the first half of the season, prompting Alexander Isak to assume the pressing-forward role in Iraola’s debut match.

History

Historical Context

When Liverpool hired Jürgen Klopp on 8 October 2015, the club embraced his Gegenpressing philosophy, later delivering a record-breaking 99-point Premier League title in 2019-20. Decades of high-pressing success have shaped the board’s current search for Andoni Iraola, whose 4-2-3-1 system mirrors Klopp’s aggressive style and promises continued European ambition and the club’s ambition to remain among Europe’s elite.

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Liverpool Pursues Iraola

Liverpool have opened talks with Andoni Iraola to replace Arne Slot as head coach.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is leading the search after Slot’s dismissal on Saturday.
Liverpool hope to appoint Iraola before the World Cup on June 11 because his 4-2-3-1 system matches the desired aggressive, front-footed style.
Agent Iñaki Ibáñez is handling negotiations for Iraola, who may bring former Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick to Anfield.

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