Could Liverpool FC and Andoni Iraola be a match made in heaven?

Liverpool FC have today announced they have opened talks with Andoni Iraola about becoming their new head coach.

Bournemouth’s former boss was quickly identified as the primary target following the surprise sacking of head coach Arne Slot on Saturday.

We understand sporting director Richard Hughes, who already has a relationship with the Basque having appointed him three years ago when he was working in a similar role with the Cherries, has made contact and is leading the talks.

Liverpool are keen to make a swift appointment, ideally before the start of the World Cup next week, to allow pre-season preparations to be adjusted accordingly but they insist they will follow a proper process in order to make the right appointment.

At this point there have been no approaches to any individuals to join the coaching staff – it was reported Iraola would want to bring Cherries assistant manager Tommy Elphick with him.

Credit: Ben Whitley / PA Andoni Iraola — Credit: Ben Whitley / PA

The pursuit of Iraola is in line with the club’s desire to move back towards a more aggressive, front-foot, urgent style of football which they lost during Slot’s second season and which ultimately cost him his job.

Liverpool sacked head coach Arne Slot just a few days ago after a disappointing defence of their Premier League title.

Fans turned on the Dutchman after a number of poor performances – the team lost 19 times this season – and there was some disharmony in the dressing room with Mohamed Salah the most outspoken.

Sources insist the decision was taken with “enormous reluctance”, admitting it does not feel entirely fair to dispense with a coach who won only the club’s second league title in 30 years.

However, it is understood the decision has been taken based on what they believe is the best chance of moving forward and the club’s hierarchy feel the team needs to evolve again towards a more aggressive, front-foot, urgent style of football.