The current situation at Anfield is unstable despite Liverpool being the defending Premier League champions. Arne Slot is facing pressure for the club’s poor form this season. Liverpool are currently sitting 8th in the standings, 9 points behind the leaders, Arsenal. The club has recognized Andoni Irola, the current manager of Bournemouth, as the prime candidate for his replacement.
The Increasing Pressure on Arne Slot
Arne Slot is currently failing to maintain the consistency required at an elite level, immediately after a title-winning season. The primary concern for Liverpool is the lack of defensive skills this season. Nine defeats across all competitions reflect a lack of coordination in the squad, along with individual errors. Slot has been struggling to maintain the last season’s defensive framework, thus leaving the team more vulnerable to conceding goals.
This inconsistency reflects a challenge in executing his style over multiple seasons. His previous season’s system is not being executed correctly by the current squad. The lack of immediate tactics by Arne Slot during a slump shows a lack of proper reaction when faced with difficulties. Even though the club won against West Ham, it’s not enough to convince the management.
Slot’s future now depends on whether he can produce better and consistent results. Liverpool are set to face some mid-table clubs, and Slot would have to secure victories in those games. If things don’t change soon, the club will have to turn to Andoni Iraola as their last option to prevent further damage and losses.
Iraola’s Tactics and Comparison To Arteta
One thing connected to Iraola’s name has been the comparison with Mikel Arteta. Both of them have aggressive, pressing management styles. Iraola has been praised by the media time and time again. His high-energy style has worked positively for the performance of the squad over time.
His coaching prioritizes physicality and aggressive possession. Bournemouth is currently second in the stats for possession won in the final 3rd per match, just behind Brighton. However, implementing a high-risk system at a club with a packed schedule is something that would require more.
He would have to manage the rotation mindfully along with the intense pressure. The heavy demands that come with a title-defending squad would pose a greater challenge than managing a mid-table club. Liverpool’s focus should be on the ability to sustain multiple seasons with consistent results. Liverpool has multiple options to choose from in case Arne Slot fails to bring better results soon.
🤔 𝗗𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗘: If Liverpool sack Arne Slot, who should they appoint as their next manager?
🇪🇸 Andoni Iraola
🇪🇸 Cesc Fàbregas
🇦🇹 Oliver Glasner
🇮🇹 Roberto De Zerbi
🇮🇹 Simone Inzaghi
🇩🇪 Jürgen Klopp pic.twitter.com/KRr4Ik0e9O
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 27, 2025
Managing the Expectations That Come with Liverpool
If Iraola replaces Arne Slot, he will also have to manage the atmosphere of disappointment in the squad. There would be psychological tasks such as shifting the players’ confidence to a positive one. The recent games have reflected a lack of confidence in the players. While doing this, he would also have to lead the club back to winning ways.
Liverpool has a history of success and standards in their previous seasons. Any new manager would face comparisons with the previous manager. However, he would have to face comparison with the club’s history as well. He would need immediate results as the fanbase’s patience is running thin. The club demands someone with tactical skills and motivational leadership to lead the team.
Author’s Insight
**Arne Slot**’s fate at Anfield is under scrutiny and in need of immediate results. The FSG’s interest in Andoni Iraola places him as one of the successors for Arne Slot if he fails to bring better results. Liverpool must progress with judgment and ensure that the next leadership change is someone who has proven resilience in managing a top club with a history of decline.
As featured on Walkon.com