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Liverpool’s search for a new head coach has rapidly homed in on one clear favourite, with Andoni Iraola now looking closer than ever to taking the reins at Anfield.
Multiple reports have outlined how the Spaniard has not only held positive talks with the club’s hierarchy, but has also effectively given the green light to the move, with only final details left to be ironed out.
For a fanbase still processing Arne Slot’s dismissal, the speed and clarity of Liverpool’s pursuit has been a welcome change from some of the protracted sagas of recent year.
During the 2025/26 campaign, Iraola steered the south‑coast side to a historic Europa League berth, overseeing a club‑record Premier League haul of 57 points.
talkSPORT’s Alex Crook has reported that the Spaniard will look to bring Timmy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, and fitness coach Pablo La Torre to Anfield if he takes charge:
“Andoni Iraola would like to take his Bournemouth coaching staff with him to Liverpool. Iraola is close to reaching a full agreement to replace the sacked Arne Slot.”
The 52-year-old formed a close and successful relationship with assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper during his time at the Vitality Stadium.”
“Unlike Iraola, both Elphick and Cooper are under contract with the Cherries so Liverpool would have to negotiate their release. Former Bournemouth captain Elphick turned down the manager’s job at Bristol City last week.”
“It is thought Iraola would also like to poach his fellow Spaniard, fitness coach Pablo de La Torre.”
Tommy Elphick is best known for captaining Bournemouth from League One all the way to the Premier League before returning to the club as a coach in 2021, eventually stepping up to become Iraola’s assistant and even turning down the chance to take the Bristol City manager’s job last week.
Shaun Cooper is another long-serving Bournemouth figure, having made more than 200 appearances for the Cherries before moving into the academy set-up and then joining the first-team staff.
Pablo de la Torre, meanwhile, followed Iraola from Rayo Vallecano to Bournemouth in 2023 as his fitness coach.