Andoni Iraola has been told he'll follow in Arne Slot's footsteps in one specific way
Head coach Andoni Iraola of Liverpool FC looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2026/2027 match between LASK and Liverpool
Andoni Iraola still has plenty of work to do at Liverpool(Image: Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Liverpool head to west London on Saturday with a clear mandate: snap a two-match losing streak in the Premier League. The Reds briefly silenced the noise following a heavy 3-0 loss to Manchester City by overwhelming LASK 6-3 in Europe, but returning to winning ways domestically will be a far tougher assignment.
Brentford have been one of the division’s surprise packages under Keith Andrews, boasting an undefeated six-match record that leaves them fourth in the table. Beyond the tactical battle at the Gtech Community Stadium, the rumour mill is beginning to churn as Andoni Iraola prepares for his first winter transfer window in charge.
A potential reunion with Bournemouth star Alex Scott is gaining traction, while a club legend has made an eye-raising prediction that fans won't want to hear after last season's struggles under Arne Slot cost him his job.
READ MORE: Will Wright on Liverpool future, learning from Alexander Isak and what Andoni Iraola has told him
Iraola prediction made
For many supporters, a successful and realistic debut campaign for Iraola at Liverpool would constitute a top-four finish and a lengthy cup run. Yet even that target appears beyond reach, according to former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann.
The German legend claimed the Spaniard would fall short of guiding the club into the top four, a target Slot also failed to do achieve season. He said: "Finishing in the top four for Liverpool this season will be a success, but I don't see it happening.
"I don't see closing that 25-point gap with Arsenal from last year." Hamann, 53, suggested his former club face fierce competition in their battle for Champions League qualification, adding: "This season they've got a fight on their hands to finish in the top four.
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"City and Arsenal are guaranteed if there is no points deduction this season, Chelsea doesn't have European football, and you have the likes of Brighton and Brentford, who have made an impressive start. Then I expect Man United to turn things around at some stage, depending on what happens with the manager."
Hamann also set his sights on Liverpool's expenditure over the past year, which has amounted to more than £300m spent on Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola alone. The 2005 Champions League winner added: "Liverpool's only chance is Iraola getting a tune out of those players brought in last year but so far he hasn't managed it.
"Granted, Liverpool are never the biggest spenders, but I believe in the summer after winning the title they thought if we spend now, we can dominate for the next four or five years. And in reality, other than [Hugo] Ekitike before his injury, none of those players have stepped up and performed. So they didn't just overspend, they badly overspent."
Scott future update
Alex Scott of Bournemouth during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC
Alex Scott remains linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
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Liverpool are reportedly at the front of the queue to secure Scott's signature in January, which would see the 23- year-old link up with Iraola once more. Reports emerged earlier this week that Bournemouth are prepared to allow their prized asset to depart, though they would demand a fee of £100million for his services.
Liverpool showed interest in the England international, who previously played under Iraola at Bournemouth, during the summer transfer window. He was the subject of a fierce pursuit from Chelsea, with Xabi Alonso's side submitting multiple bids for Scott, the highest of which reached £68m.
However, the Mail reports that the Reds are now in the "driving seat" for Scott's signature. Whether Liverpool's hierarchy will sanction yet another £100m+ outlay remains to be seen, particularly given the midfielder has just 20 months remaining on his current deal.