Andoni Iraola clear favourite for Liverpool head coach role after Arne Slot exit | OneFootball

According to NY Times, Andoni Iraola is the clear favourite to become Liverpool’s head coach after Arne Slot was dismissed on Saturday.

The 43-year-old leads the field, though Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness and Lens boss Pierre Sage are under consideration. He worked with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes at Bournemouth before Hughes moved to Merseyside in 2024. The Athletic revealed on 14 April that he would leave at season’s end, which Bournemouth confirmed later that day.

Iraola oversaw his final Bournemouth match on Sunday, a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest that sealed sixth place and a first Europa League berth. His side’s high-tempo, attacking approach earned plaudits at the Vitality Stadium.

Iraola has attracted interest since announcing his exit last month, with Crystal Palace among the suitors. That report said he fits Palace’s criteria following Oliver Glasner’s decision to leave at the end of his contract. Chelsea and Manchester United had been linked but have since confirmed Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick respectively.

Iraola joined Bournemouth from Rayo Vallecano in summer 2023 on a two-year deal. They finished 12th in his first season and extended his contract by two further years, then took ninth in 2024-25, nine points outside Europe.

He will be succeeded at Bournemouth by former Borussia Dortmund head coach Marco Rose on a three-year contract. Bournemouth sources said they were disappointed to lose Iraola but respected his decision and maintained a strong relationship. They said the club tried everything to keep him, negotiating for 15 months.

Source: NY Times