Liverpool looks to be closing in on Andoni Iraola as its next manager after firing Arne Slot, with talks having begun with the former Bournemouth boss ahead of a busy summer
07:00, 02 Jun 2026
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Head Coach Andoni Iraola ofb during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Leeds United at Vitality Stadium on April 22, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola is the clear favorite to become Liverpool's next manager(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool fans have had their say on who should be the club’s next manager - and Andoni Iraola is the overwhelming favorite.
The Reds are on the hunt for a replacement for Arne Slot after the Dutchman was fired at the weekend, having overseen a poor second season at Anfield following the title triumph the previous year.
The process to find Slot’s successor looks to be moving along quickly, with talks beginning with former Bournemouth boss Iraola as Liverpool looks to have its new manager in place before the start of the World Cup, with a big summer lying ahead in the transfer window.
Iraola has reportedly already turned down other jobs, having been in discussions with AC Milan, while Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace have also shown interest.
The 43-year-old is available after leaving Bournemouth, where his reputation has grown over the past year after leading the Cherries to European qualification for the first time in their history.
And it seems that Liverpool fans are in full agreement on him becoming the club’s new manager. Liverpool.com ran a poll on its WhatsApp channel asking supporters to vote on who should be Slot’s successor, and the results were unanimous.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot with Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth
Liverpool fans have voted overwhelmingly for Iraola to be Arne Slot's successor(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Over 1.7k voted for Iraola, with none of the other options coming close to troubling the Spaniard.
Julian Nagelsmann came a distant second with just 140 votes, while Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Lens manager Pierre Sage were even further behind.
Iraola is then the clear favorite to take over at Anfield this summer, and he already looks to be well on the way to becoming Liverpool manager, with reports shortly after Slot’s firing was confirmed suggesting that it was already a done deal.
Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£85
LFC Shop
Buy Now on LFC Shop
Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.
The former Rayo Vallecano boss already has a good working relationship with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, having been brought over to the Premier League by the Scot back in 2023, and the Reds will hope to get talks wrapped up quickly.
Article continues below
“I’ve always said it, he was maybe the main reason, or definitely a big, important part of the decision to come here,” Iraola said about Hughes after he was appointed as the Reds’ sporting director. “He has been really helpful with me personally, with all the staff.
“I think he is very good at his job. He has set everything here - the scouting department, the management of the players individually when they come here. There is an adaptation process where he is really helpful with the players and me as a coach.
“I am really happy for him, because I suppose it is a very good chance for him. I obviously wish him all the best. I am sure he will also be doing a very good job there at Liverpool.”