Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has expressed his feelings on Andoni Iraola being the chosen head coach to take over from Arne Slot after the Dutchman was fired on Saturday
10:04, 02 Jun 2026
Jamie Carragher on The Overlap podcast.
Jamie Carragher on The Overlap podcast.(Image: The Overlap // YouTube)
Jamie Carragher says Liverpool is taking a "risk" by moving for Andoni Iraola, despite the departing Bournemouth boss' excellent three-year stint in the Premier League.
After Arne Slot was fired on Saturday, the process of finding a replacement is already well underway. Liverpool is looking for someone with the intention of being more aggressive and intense in style, with Iraola picked out as a strong candidate.
While he does not have experience of managing in the Champions League and would need a much deeper roster of players than Liverpool currently has to be successful, Iraola did an excellent job on the south coast with the Cherries.
"I could have lived with whatever decision Liverpool made," Carragher said on The Overlap podcast, sponsored by Sky Bet, when talking about Slot's dismissal.
"I had gotten my head around Arne Slot staying. I wouldn't have just changed him for anyone, or where Slot goes and we are looking for a manager.
"I would have changed him for Xabi Alonso. As soon as he went to Chelsea, I was thinking that I would keep Slot.
"But it looks as though it will be Iraola. He has done a fantastic job at Bournemouth but it is a big jump and if you asked me a few weeks ago, would you fire Slot and bring in Iraola? I'm not sure. I don't know.
Andoni Iraola claps the Bournemouth fans at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola claps the Bournemouth fans at Anfield.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
"I say this with all big clubs. When they make an appointment, can I see that manager winning the league? Liverpool already had that with Slot but the performances and results weren't good enough.
"A manager from Bournemouth, who hasn't had much European experience or managed in the Champions League, I do think it's a risk."
Carragher also expressed concerns that Liverpool's existing players might not be suited to the style that Iraola plays.
"My worry is, Liverpool recruited for Slot," he continued. "It was a bit more controlled than Klopp. The football was slow and laborious but Slot wasn't defensive; he had a lot of attacking players on the pitch.
"I am not sure Liverpool has the players [to play Iraola's style]. When the pressing was slow, it was because Liverpool had Wirtz and Mac Allister in midfield. Isak doesn't press; neither does Ekitike.
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"When I was thinking about Alonso, it was also because he got the best out of Florian Wirtz. If you were going to change it why was it not for Alonso?
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"If Liverpool chose Iraola over Alonso, it is very worrying for Liverpool. If it is because Alonso wants to play a back three, or his style of play, fair enough. But I am not sure Liverpool has the players to play Iraola's high-pressing game."
Liverpool.com says: Carragher is right to express concern over Iraola stepping up to a big club, but the only way to find out if he can cope is by putting him in the role. There will be lots more pressure and lots more games.
In terms of pressing, though, Isak can do it, and Wirtz was exceptional at it in the Bundesliga. With the right recruitment in wide areas, there is no reason that Liverpool can't be more aggressive in the final third with and without the ball.