Liverpool are in a period of uncertainty, with FSG yet to clarify Arne Slott’s position in the dugout.
Last year’s Premier League champions finished fifth and qualified for the Champions League. With so many tactical imbalances, it’s understandable that the Reds are considering a switch.
Too many superstars just didn’t click. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirths, the two most expensive signings in Premier League history, were both fooled into flattery.
Although the injury has not affected him, sporting director Richard Hughes has a big decision to make ahead of pre-season as Liverpool may not be able to afford another sub-par season.
Liverpool in talks to sign slot successor
Liverpool have taken a step back in terms of their style of play this season, with fans calling for Slot to be sacked. FSG are hoping for a big summer as they have just qualified for the Champions League, but the most important changes could come from the dugout.
Word coming down from above is that FSG is planning a new campaign with slots in the lead. However, the jury is still out and specific reports suggest that Liverpool are still conducting market research for a new head coach.
According to Sky Italia, Liverpool have carried out an early search to see if Andoni Iraola could replace Slott, with AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen also being named as potential candidates.
The outgoing Bournemouth manager has established himself as one of Europe’s top young managers during his three years at the Vitality Stadium. His ‘rock’n’roll’ football, as he himself defines it, is exactly what Liverpool’s persuasion are looking for and may be what fuels players like Wirtz.
Why Wirtz loves Liverpool’s Iraola
Iraola pulled Bournemouth away from relegation feeding ground and took them to Europe. The Cherries will play in the Europa League next year, but Iraola will not be playing. Could he be at Anfield?
He has been described as an “elite” coach by pundit Jamie Redknapp, and is one of the most exciting tacticians with the fitness, athleticism and ideals for attacking play that would fit perfectly into the Anfield set-up.
The 43-year-old Spaniard is certainly closer to Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing style than a slot player, so Wirtz could benefit greatly from returning to his standards in Germany, where he firmly established himself as one of the world’s brightest attacking talents.
Wirtz is one of the most talented players in the Premier League, and he excelled during his time with German side Leverkusen. There he drew praise from all corners, but found it difficult to adapt to life at Anfield, and was little helped by the growing imbalance of the team in the slot.
Florian Wirtz’s last two seasons in the league | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | 24/25 | 25/26 |
Match (start) | 31(25) | 33(27) |
the goal | 10 | 5 |
assist | 12 | 3 |
touch* | 73.4 | 56.8 |
Number of shots (on target)* | 2.5(1.3) | 1.5(0.5) |
Exact path* | 42.2 (82%) | 36.4 (85%) |
A big opportunity has arisen | 17 | 5 |
Key pass* | 1.8 | 1.8 |
Loss of ownership* | 18.3 | 11.5 |
Successful. dribble* | 2.6 (51%) | 1.2 (53%) |
Ball recovery rate* | 3.6 | 3.5 |
Tackle + Interception* | 1.3 | 1.3 |
Win a duel* | 5.2 (45%) | 3.0 (40%) |
Although he is exceptional in his home country and we know the talent is there, Slott has proven unable to tap into more than a fraction of that potential. Let’s put it this way. If Wirtz had been firing on all cylinders throughout the season, Liverpool would have enjoyed a much better season.
Strangely, much of Wertz’s underlying data from the Premier League reflects German metrics. The application of his offensive power didn’t go well.
As the 2025/26 season deepened, slot ball became tired and tiring, and Wirtz lost the gains he had made over the winter.
Iraola’s fast, attacking system could be the tonic the Anfield squad needs after such a draining year. Slots are great managers. He proved his worth last season by leading Liverpool to the title while Jurgen Klopp’s seat was still warm.
But change is needed now and Liverpool could hit the jackpot with Iraola. His tactical identity quickly endeared him to the fan base and his Bournemouth project speaks volumes about his potential as an ‘elite’ manager who could lead a club like Liverpool into the golden horde.
New version of Coutinho: midfielder plans to fly to England to sign for Liverpool
Liverpool could be about to officially announce the arrival of new Coutinho at Anfield.
