Liverpool told they are replacing Arne Slot with a ‘front-footed’ manager | OneFootball

Why are Liverpool Replacing Arne Slot with Andoni Iraola?

On Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Michael Reid framed Liverpool’s move for Andoni Iraola as a decision rooted in style, data and frustration with what came before under Arne Slot. The conversation was not a hatchet job on Slot, Reid even said, “we thank Slot for for that title,” but it did explain why Liverpool appear ready to move sharply after a season that ended with 60 points and fifth place.

Liverpool Wanted Energy Back

Davis opened with the phrase that has defined the search, Liverpool wanted a “front-footed aggressive and dynamic manager.” Reid’s answer was telling. He said Liverpool had “looked to lack that energy and lack that drive,” adding that supporters had become used to a team that would “press high” and “were fitter than most of the oppositions that would they would face.”

That matters because Iraola’s Bournemouth, according to Reid’s numbers, offered precisely that. Reid called Iraola “certainly the opposite” of the flatness Liverpool showed, and said he was “more towards the club style of football” enjoyed over previous years.

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth Case

The most persuasive part of Reid’s argument was context. Bournemouth had the smallest stadium in the Premier League, had never been in Europe before, and Iraola got them into Europe. Reid also stressed that Bournemouth were hit hard by departures, saying “three of their back four were gone” and that in January “they went and lost their star attacker Antoine Semenyo.”

Even so, Bournemouth finished sixth. Reid said, “The headline start is fifth for goals and fifth for open play goals,” before adding, “this is an attacking side. This is a side that knows how to to score goals.”

The pressing data was even more relevant for Liverpool. Reid highlighted that Bournemouth were “third in the league” for high turnovers and “third for shot ending high turnovers.” His conclusion was simple, “that indicates the press,” and that Bournemouth were able to “win the ball out the pitch and create chances from that.”

Photo: IMAGO

Why Arne Slot’s Numbers Hurt

Davis handled the Slot discussion carefully, saying he did not want to “pile on.” Reid did the same, but the data remained stark. He said “60 points normally does not get you Champions League football,” and added that Liverpool were “very fortunate that 60 points was enough.”

That appears to be central to Liverpool’s decision. Reid explained, “if we get 60 points again next season, it likely won’t be Champions League.” From there, he said the club had to ask, “how can we improve now?” The answer, clearly, was change.

Iraola’s Liverpool Upside

The appeal is not merely pressing for pressing’s sake. Reid said Bournemouth were “top of the league” for direct attacks and first for direct speed, meaning they were “the quickest to turn defense to attack in the league.” On what that might mean for Liverpool, he said, “we will not see that with him,” when discussing sideways or backwards passing, adding, “He’s happy for us to take that risky pass.”

That is the Iraola gamble in miniature. Reid admitted “we don’t have the evidence of what he does at a top team,” and called his lack of European experience “a question mark.” Yet he also said, “I’m happy for Liverpool to be club where he can answer those questions.”

For supporters, the key may be emotional as much as tactical. Reid said Liverpool fans would accept “teething problems” if they could see the idea, adding, “Liverpool fans will be patient if they enjoy watching it.”

That is the promise of Andoni Iraola at Liverpool after Arne Slot, not certainty, but direction. As Reid put it, “there’s lots to be optimistic about Liverpool now next season.”