Liverpool has been speculated to be interested in moves to add Thiago Alcantara and James Milner to its coaching team amid talks with the former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola
14:40, 02 Jun 2026
Andoni Iraola after Bournemouth 1-1 Man City.
Andoni Iraola after Bournemouth 1-1 Man City.(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Liverpool is looking to hire Andoni Iraola as a successor to Arne Slot, though further details of who could make up the Spaniard's backroom team are still to be finalized.
It was speculated on Monday that Thiago Alcantara and James Milner, the former Liverpool midfield duo, could have a role to play on the coaching staff moving forward. But the Reds have made no approach to either, according to The Times.
Talks are still ongoing to confirm Iraola as the next man to sit in the hotseat. If and when that happens, further information on who else might be coming in will emerge.
Thiago has coaching experience with Barcelona, while Milner confirmed his retirement on Monday.
Meanwhile, Iraola worked with Tommy Elphick at Bournemouth and he rejected the chance to become Bristol City manager last week.
Elphick is a former Bournemouth player and he is highly rated by Iraola. Last month, the latter said that the former is ready to become a head coach in his own right.
However, The Telegraph reported over the weekend that Iraola would want to hire Elphick at Anfield. Liverpool's search for what comes next is already underway.
Andoni Iraola on the touchline as Bournemouth's head coach.
Andoni Iraola on the touchline as Bournemouth's head coach.(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
The Reds, it is understood, want to implement a faster-paced and more intense playing style. Dutchman Slot, it has been determined, was not the right man to ensure that happens.
"I could have lived with whatever decision Liverpool made," Reds legend Jamie 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.
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"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.
"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.
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"A manager from Bournemouth, who hasn't had much European experience or managed in the Champions League, I do think it's a risk."
Liverpool.com says: Iraola doesn't have experience of coaching two games a week, every week, so having someone with him who has played at that intensity recently would perhaps be helpful.
He is definitely a high-intensity manager, though, which plenty of fans will welcome after a season where lots of matches were a tough watch.