Liverpool stance on Thiago Alcantara coaching return amid Andoni Iraola talks
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Liverpool has been speculated to be interested in moves to add Thiago Alcantara and James Milner to its coaching team amid talks with the former Bournemouth manager Andoni IraolaAndoni Iraola after Bournemouth 1-1 Man City.(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)Liverpool is looking to hire Andoni Iraola as a successor to Arne Slot, though further details of who could make up the Spaniard's backroom team are still to be finalized.It was speculated on Monday that Thiago Alcantara and James Milner, the former Liverpool midfield duo, could have a role to play on the coaching staff moving forward. If and when that happens, further information on who else might be coming in will emerge.Thiago has coaching experience with Barcelona, while Milner confirmed his retirement on Monday.Meanwhile, Iraola worked with Tommy Elphick at Bournemouth and he rejected the chance to become Bristol City manager last week.Elphick is a former Bournemouth player and he is highly rated by Iraola.
Dutchman Slot, it has been determined, was not the right man to ensure that happens."I could have lived with whatever decision Liverpool made," Reds legend Jamie Carragher said on The Overlap podcast, sponsored by Sky Bet, when talking about Slot's dismissal."I had gotten my head around Arne Slot staying. I wouldn't have just changed him for anyone, or where Slot goes and we are looking for a manager."I would have changed him for Xabi Alonso.
As soon as he went to Chelsea, I was thinking that I would keep Slot.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Liverpool already had that with Slot but the performances and results weren't good enough."A manager from Bournemouth, who hasn't had much European experience or managed in the Champions League, I do think it's a risk."Liverpool.com says: Iraola doesn't have experience of coaching two games a week, every week, so having someone with him who has played at that intensity recently would perhaps be helpful.He is definitely a high-intensity manager, though, which plenty of fans will welcome after a season where lots of matches were a tough watch.