Liverpool have already handed Andoni Iraola four key issues he will need to solve in 26/27

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Andoni Iraola is expected to be the man to replace Arne Slot in the Liverpool dugout ahead of next season.The Spaniard is the favourite to become the Reds manager, and Antoine Semenyo has already issued a glowing verdict on Iraola, which should bode well for his stint at Anfield.However, while fans are no doubt excited to see the former Bournemouth boss arrive at Liverpool, there are a few key problems he must address, including how he will fit Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike into the same eleven. Is Andoni Iraola the best option to replace Arne Slot?

If not, who would you appoint? Credit: AFC Bournemouth/Getty Images Liverpool have problems at full-back, up front, in defence and lack physicalityDespite playing a one-striker system, Liverpool spent around £200m to bring Ekitike and Isak to the club last summer.Not that it was a good thing, but Slot did not really have to try and put together a side that gets the best out of both players at the same time because of injury issues.Isak was out for most of the campaign, and when he did return, Ekitike then picked up an issue that could keep him out until January 2027.Once the Frenchman is back, though, Iraola will have to figure out a way that he can start both big-money strikers on a consistent basis without just sticking one of them out wide on the left, where they are much less impactful.Secondly, Liverpool’s full-backs were a serious problem in 2025/26, and that problem is only going to get worse now that Andy Robertson is leaving.Luckily for Iraola, he already has a good relationship with Milos Kerkez and will hopefully be able to get more out of the left-back at Anfield.But there is still the question of who do Liverpool start at right-back?

Slot opted to play multiple midfielders at full-back last term, with it clear Jeremie Frimpong still hasn’t adapted to playing in a back-four.Sticking with problems at the back, Iraola needs to tighten up a shaky backline that conceded the second-most goals of the top 11 Premier League teams in 2025/26.Doing so will, however, require a more physical approach, but that is something the Spaniard is well known for.Liverpool players have looked well off the pace for large parts of the last 12 months, but Iraola’s training style, as we have seen at Bournemouth, should make the Reds into a more fit, aggressive side.So, with a striker conundrum, issues in both full-back positions, a leaky defence and a clear need for more physicality, Iraola is sure to have his work cut out over the summer.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox