Liverpool look to have three top candidates to replace Arne Slot as head coach with Andoni Iraola leading the way
(Image: (Photo by Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
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Andoni Iraola is amongst a host of candidates including Sebastian Hoeness, Pierre Sage and several others who could step in to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool. The Dutchman was relieved of his duties on Saturday , with the club officially confirming that "the process to appoint a successor is under way".
Former Bournemouth boss Iraola is the leading contender to take the reins at Anfield, having overseen his final match in charge of the Cherries last weekend, during which they secured Europa League football.
Despite that, a number of alternative candidates remain on the club's radar, including Stuttgart's Hoeness and Lens' Sage. Both managers have just completed highly impressive domestic campaigns in Germany and France respectively.
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Hoeness steered Stuttgart to a fourth-place finish in the Bundesliga and a place in the DFB Pokal final, while Sage guided Lens into a Ligue 1 title battle with Paris Saint-Germain, though they ultimately had to settle for second place.
He did, however, enjoy cup glory with Lens claiming the Coupe de France following a 3-1 victory over Nice in the final.
Amongst other high-profile managers currently in employment that Liverpool could pursue, Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Unai Emery and Simone Inzaghi are all potential options.
Much like Iraola, Oliver Glasner is currently without a club following his departure from Crystal Palace, making him another name in the frame for the Anfield hotseat. Legendary former manager Jurgen Klopp has even been mooted as a possible returning candidate, though that prospect appears remote.
When Slot took the reins two years ago, he made few alterations to the squad Klopp had assembled, with Liverpool going on to clinch their 20th Premier League crown.
Despite this season proving a frustrating one, Liverpool's ownership had warm words for the outgoing Slot in their official club statement.
Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot
Arne Slot was praised by Liverpool owners in his official exit announcement
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"We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool's 20th league title," part of the message read.
"That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.
"He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.
"As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come."
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