Andoni Iraola could reportedly raid Bournemouth for his first hire if he replaces Arne Slot at Liverpool after the Dutchman was fired on Saturday after a difficult season
12:55, 31 May 2026
Andoni Iraola on the Bournemouth bench.
Andoni Iraola on the Bournemouth bench.(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Bournemouth is bracing itself for interest in highly rated coach Tommy Elphick should Liverpool appoint Andoni Iraola as its successor to Arne Slot, who was fired on Saturday.
The Cherries have replaced Iraola, who departed after three seasons on the south coast, with Marco Rose. Bournemouth, who will play Europa League soccer next term, wanted to keep Elphick and Shaun Cooper on its coaching staff as it looks to embark on a new era.
Elphick turned down the chance to become Bristol City manager last week. Michael Skubala eventually joined the Robins from Lincoln City, becoming the permanent appointment after the interim job done by Roy Hodgson.
Elphick is a former Bournemouth player and he is highly rated by Iraola, with the ex-Cherries boss saying earlier this month that he is confident the 38-year-old is ready to become a manager in his own right.
However, The Telegraph reports that Iraola would want to hire Elphick at Anfield should he get the job. Liverpool's search for what comes next is already underway.
Liverpool, it is understood, wants to move towards a more fast-paced and intense playing style. Arne Slot, it has been determined, was not the right man to ensure that happens.
Andoni Iraola did an excellent job at Bournemouth.
Andoni Iraola did an excellent job at Bournemouth.(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
"That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying," a statement from Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) read earlier this weekend.
"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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"This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens.
"At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.
"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."