Andoni Iraola 'open to Liverpool job' amid Arne Slot pressure as preference emerges
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Andoni Iraola is on the hunt for a new club after announcing he would be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season, with the Spaniard reportedly open to a move to LiverpoolLiverpool head coach Arne Slot with Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)Andoni Iraola is reportedly holding out for the Liverpool job after confirming he'll be departing Bournemouth at the end of his contract just weeks after steering the Cherries to Europa League qualification.The 43-year-old has been linked with several prominent positions since his exit from the Vitality Stadium was confirmed, but clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea have pursued other options. While Liverpool has no plans to part ways with Arne Slot, Sky Sports reports the former Bournemouth manager has two roles in his sights.Iraola has reportedly engaged in discussions with Italian side AC Milan, though reports suggest negotiations have stalled with the Serie A club.It's understood Iraola has concerns about taking the reins at the San Siro and discussions will not progress further.
The departing Bournemouth manager is also on Crystal Palace's radar, with Oliver Glasner leaving Selhurst Park at the end of the campaign.The Eagles will also compete in Europa League football next season, following their victory over Rayo Vallecano to claim the Europa Conference League trophy.Iraola is also said to be receptive to a switch to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, but former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis is the leading candidate for the position in Germany.Sky Sports reports Iraola has been transparent with the likes of AC Milan and Palace about his desire to take charge at a major club, and he's receptive to a move to Liverpool.Despite a disappointing campaign, Liverpool's hierarchy are expected to stand firm in their support of Slot. Having guided the club to the Premier League title in his maiden season, the Dutchman endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign.The situation surrounding Iraola's next move remains increasingly unclear, with Bournemouth having already secured Marco Rose as his successor.Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is reportedly holding out for the Liverpool job.(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))Crystal Palace have also cast admiring glances towards Pierre Sage, Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna, though talks with any of the three have yet to progress.As for Slot, he has made no secret of his desire to see improvements next season.
Speaking after securing Champions League qualification on the final day, he said: "Not what I would have loved us to achieve this season before we started but taking everything into account, what has happened to us this season, I'm happy that we've qualified for the Champions League."We, I, haven't been perfect, but I would have answered this question exactly the same in the year we won the league because as a manager you can never be perfect, a player can never be perfect."But all the decisions I've made throughout the whole season has been only with one idea, and that's being very well prepared."Not every decision can be the right one so it would be stupid for me to sit here and say all the decisions I've made were the right ones. But a lot of times I didn't even have to make decisions or choices."