FSG's ideal next Liverpool manager is available this summer after Xabi Alonso removed from race - opinion
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Liverpool supporters hoping for a change in manager this summer should forget about Xabi Alonso’s return and focus on Andoni Iraola instead.Although there have been recent claims that Arne Slot will be safe at Anfield no matter how the season ends up, nobody should be under any illusions that the Dutchman’s future is still very much in the balance.One of those reporting that Slot will remain at Liverpool, however, is journalist David Ornstein, who has claimed that Alonso will not be the next Reds’ manager even if Slot does depart. And as he prepares to leave Bournemouth, Iraola is quite clearly the one for supporters to watch.
Credit: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport/Getty Images Iraola is the right man to follow Slot at LiverpoolPart of the reason Liverpool fans are clamouring for Slot to be sacked is that they do not want to miss out on the potential of seeing Alonso return to the club after 17 years away.The Spaniard is extremely likely to be back in work at the end of the current season, and if Liverpool do not get him now, it could be years – or perhaps never again – when things could line up for him to take over.While that may be true, and it is disappointing to hear reliable suggestions that Alonso will not arrive, the same could also be said of Iraola.Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Arne Slot suggests who he’s about to play up front for Liverpool v Everton instead of Alexander IsakIt has been confirmed this week that Alonso’s fellow Basque will also be free of a club this summer after bringing a close to three excellent years with Bournemouth.There are links there to Liverpool, with Richard Hughes having been the man who hired Iraola at the Vitality Stadium. Despite rumours he could leave, Hughes is set to stay at Liverpool, and if he and Michael Edwards decide to make a change from Slot, it is not a big leap to surmise that Iraola would be on the list.He is not the only one, of course, but in lieu of Liverpool taking the obvious option and going for Alonso, the 43-year-old feels like being the best of the rest.Are there any others who could be considered?Plenty of Liverpool fans may not have even considered the possibility of a different manager other than Alonso arriving next if Slot were to leave.
Although the second point would also be true of Iraola, he has proven himself in English football and has previously convinced Hughes of his qualities.Away from Alonso, Luis Enrique would perhaps be the best possible choice, but as he nears a contract extension with PSG, that does not look likely at all.When moving on from Jurgen Klopp in 2024, Liverpool did not go for the obvious choice in Alonso and instead plumped for Slot. Iraola has to be the one.