Liverpool close to hiring Iraola: reports
LONDON: Liverpool are in advanced talks with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as they seek a replacement for Arne Slot, according to reports on Tuesday. Iraola has emerged as Liverpool’s top target to replace Slot, who was sacked on Saturday after a turbulent second season in charge. Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to bring the Spaniard, who left Bournemouth at the end of this season, to Anfield. Sporting director Richard Hughes was heavily involved in hiring Iraola during his time at Bournemouth and is again spearheading the recruitment of the highly rated coach. The Reds are believed to be keen to wrap up a deal with Iraola before the start of the World Cup next week, which would allow the 43-year-old a lengthy acclimatization period before pre-season training. Slot was sacked last weekend after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, 25 points behind champions Arsenal. The Dutchman had led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season, but his follow-up campaign quickly turned into a nightmare. The death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota last year had a huge impact at Anfield, while the club’s £450 million ($606 million) spending spree on new signings failed to pay off. Slot’s relationship with star forward Mohamed Salah also deteriorated, while Liverpool fans turned on the former Feyenoord manager due to his team’s lifeless performances and poor results. Liverpool’s pursuit of Iraola is in line with the club’s desire to move back toward the aggressive, attacking style used by Slot’s predecessor Jurgen Klopp. Iraola earned plaudits for Bournemouth’s impressive sixth-place finish this season, which secured the club’s first qualification for Europe in the Europa League. He