Andoni Iraola under discussion as FSG considered Arne Slot sack decision

It’s been a season to forget for Arne Slot and Liverpool.

The 47-year-old got off to the best possible start as the Reds’ head coach - winning the 2024/25 Premier League title. But it all went south quickly for the Dutchman - despite a summer transfer spend of £450m last summer.

The Anfield side ended up fifth - squeaking into the Champions League on the last day of the season. Despite the club’s collective and individual poor form across the campaign Liverpool decision-makers are expected to stick with Slot.

Under contract until 2027 the former Feyenoord boss looks certain to be in place for the 2026/27 campaign at least.

His power has been solidified in recent days with the news that Etienne Reijnen - a former Feyenoord coach - will join him on Merseyside.

Liverpool have been steadfast in their support for Slot throughout a difficult season - sending out the message that no change in the dugout was being considered.

An end-of-season review was always on the cards - but Slot’s prospects appear a lot better now that Champions League football has been secured.

Andoni Iraola was in the frame for LFC arrival

Nonetheless the club did conduct their due diligence on potential coaching appointments earlier in the season. That’s according to a new report in TEAMtalk - which claims Liverpool considered hiring Andoni Iraola.

The Spaniard is set to leave Bournemouth this summer with his contract expiring - but it has emerged that he was on the list for Richard Hughes and FSG during the 2025/26 campaign.

“Liverpool did assess alternative managerial situations during the season as part of their wider strategic review,” the report states.

“The club discussed the possibility of making a move for Andoni Iraola amid the Bournemouth boss’ outstanding work on the south coast.

“However, despite admiring Iraola’s profile, Liverpool are not currently expected to open talks with the Spaniard.”

LFC stick with Slot

Another name in the frame to arrive was Xabi Alonso - who has since agreed to join Chelsea. The club in this instance passed on the opportunity to hire Alonso - who won the German double with Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.

“The Reds also chose against making any serious attempt to rival Chelsea for Xabi Alonso, despite the Bayer Leverkusen boss being admired internally at Anfield for a considerable period,” the report reads.

And so while plenty of uncertainty has been prevalent around Slot’s position as the Reds have struggled in multiple competitions he will be the man to take charge next term.

“The internal stance at Anfield has always been that Slot would be given further time – provided Liverpool secured Champions League qualification,” the report reads.

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