Liverpool have sacked Arne Slot and begun their search for a new manager, with former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola rapidly emerging as the frontrunner to succeed him at Anfield
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: hecio Andoni Iraola of Bournemouthduring the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola is the favourite for the Liverpool job(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola is keen on becoming Liverpool's new manager after the Reds sacked Arne Slot. Liverpool announced shortly after midday on Saturday that Slot, 47, had been relieved of his duties after a torrid second season in charge.
Iraola has emerged as the frontrunner from a small list of candidates which also includes Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Lens manager Pierre Sage. The Spaniard is available after rejecting a new contract at Bournemouth, where he enjoyed three impressive seasons.
Iraola's services have been in high demand since his decision was announced last month. Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen both held talks with his representatives, but Liverpool have jumped to the front of the queue.
Talksport report that Iraola wants to take the reins at Anfield in the wake of Slot's departure. It's added that outgoing Palace boss Oliver Glasner is not being considered by the Liverpool hierarchy.
Iraola was appointed by Bournemouth in 2023 by the man who is Liverpool's current sporting director, Richard Hughes. That was after Iraola guided Spanish side Rayo Vallecano to promotion to La Liga as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. His stock continued to rise on the south coast of England, with Bournemouth finishing 12th in his first season.
The former Athletic Bilbao captain then led the Cherries to ninth place last term before a 6th-placed finish this year, just three points behind Liverpool in the final Champions League spot. Despite qualifying for the Europa League with Bournemouth, Iraola stuck to his decision and bid an emotional farewell.
Slot wasn't afforded the same gesture, having initially looked set to stay on for next season. But Liverpool have decided to make a change little over a year after the ex-Feyenoord manager orchestrated the club's 20th English title win.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Head Coaches Arne Slot of Liverpool and Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Liverpool at Vitality Stadium on January 24, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Arne Slot is set to be replaced by Andoni Iraola(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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"That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying," owners Fenway Sports Group said in a statement. "The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and - most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves - successful.
"As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.
"From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it."
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