Liverpool sought Jurgen Klopp‘s advice before moving for Andoni Iraola as their next manager, with reports suggesting FSG may have even explored whether the German would consider an Anfield return before deciding on the Bournemouth boss as their top target.
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The club is preparing a managerial change this summer after deciding to sack Arne Slot on Saturday following the end-of-season review. The Dutchman departed after an underwhelming campaign that saw Liverpool finish fifth and end the season without silverware.
The decision to remove Slot was several weeks in the making. Norwegian pundit Jan-Aage Fjortoft told ESPN FC that FSG reached out to Klopp for input on who should take charge at Anfield.
“Everybody says that Iraola is the big favourite. I just got back from Germany today; there was talk that they’ve asked Jurgen Klopp for advice on who could be the new Liverpool coach; that makes sense as well. The big wet dream for any Liverpool fan is to get Klopp back, but I can’t see that happening. But I do understand that Iraola will play with the cards he’s got.”
Correspondent Graeme Bailey has reported that FSG are moving at pace toward Iraola‘s appointment after a positive first round of talks, with the 43-year-old potentially in place at Anfield before the week is out. Other candidates including Sebastian Hoeness and Pierre Sage were considered but ruled out.
Why FSG Never Pursued Xabi Alonso
Chelsea‘s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso while Slot was still in post sparked claims that Liverpool had missed their chance to bring back the iconic former midfielder. Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard dismissed that theory outright.
“I think this idea that Liverpool missed out on Xabi Alonso because they sacked Slot too late is wide of the mark. He’s a great coach and a Liverpool legend, but if you want aggressive, fast-paced, up-and-at-em football, he’s not your guy. Iraola much closer to Klopp‘s ‘vollgas’ style.”
Reporter Ben Jacobs confirmed the reasoning behind the choice: Liverpool‘s owners are determined to return to the front-foot, aggressive style that defined Klopp‘s tenure. While Alonso‘s brand of football produced results, including Bayer Leverkusen‘s first-ever Bundesliga title, it does not match what FSG wants to see at Anfield. Liverpool were content to let the 44-year-old move to Chelsea and never placed him under serious consideration.
Iraola, who built his reputation at Bournemouth with an intense, high-energy system, fits the profile FSG has been targeting. Stay with TipsGG for full coverage of the appointment and what it means for Liverpool‘s transfer plans this summer.
Read also: Liverpool in Swap Deal Talks to Land Dumfries as Iraola Era Begins