If coach Andoni Iraola's talent was the factor that brought him to Liverpool, then what he did at Bournemouth almost made both regret it.
Bournemouth closed last season with an 18-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Liverpool has declined significantly when they only won 2 points in the last 4 rounds and won only 3 in the last 10 matches.
If the season lasts a few more weeks, Bournemouth can completely surpass Liverpool in the standings. This not only makes the decision to sack Arne Slot easier, but also means Iraola will have the opportunity to lead Bournemouth to the Champions League instead of moving to Anfield.
In fact, Liverpool and Bournemouth ending the season with a not too large gap reflects two opposite trends. Liverpool is one of the biggest disappointing teams, while Bournemouth far exceeds all expectations. That contrast makes Iraola the perfect choice for the reform that Liverpool is aiming for.
When The Kop's leadership is looking for a coach who can bring a more energetic, fast and decisive playing style, they are almost describing the style of the Spanish strategist.
Bournemouth last season was the team that created the most chances from quick counter-attacks. They pressed high with high intensity and continuously put pressure on the opponent. When Mohamed Salah mentioned wanting Liverpool to return to the "heavy metal" football associated with Jurgen Klopp, Iraola's image of Bournemouth is the closest example.
Liverpool clearly felt that right in the opening round of last season's Premier League. Despite winning 4-2, The Kop had a difficult match when they were constantly punished by Bournemouth for speed transitions. Antoine Semenyo scored a double and exposed Liverpool's weaknesses in counter-attack situations.
In the second leg at Vitality Stadium in January, Bournemouth continued to make Liverpool suffer. Despite having a 13-match unbeaten streak, Slot's team still suffered a 2-3 defeat after Amine Adli's decisive goal in injury time.
That match also showed Liverpool's problems under Slot. They conceded easily at the end of the match and often lost focus in set-piece situations.
Now, Iraola is no longer the one exploiting these weaknesses but will have to find ways to overcome them. Slot was once considered the perfect successor to Klopp when taking over the team. However, over time, his Liverpool gradually moved away from the energetic style that once made the brand of the port city team. Meanwhile, Iraola emerged as one of the coaches representing modern football trends with high intensity and continuous pressure.
That partly explains why Liverpool prioritizes Iraola over another famous candidate, Xabi Alonso. Although possessing a more impressive profile with the Bundesliga championship with Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso is not the most suitable choice for the tactical orientation that Liverpool is pursuing.
Notably, Bayer Leverkusen also included Iraola in the list of candidates to replace Alonso, showing that the reputation of the Basque strategist has increased sharply in recent years.
Before his success at Bournemouth, Iraola was sought after by many Premier League clubs. Leeds United considered appointing him in 2023 when he was still leading Rayo Vallecano. However, this coach chose to continue developing his career in Spain before moving to England.
Iraola's mark is not only in his playing results but also in his ability to elevate players. Under his leadership, names like Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi or Antoine Semenyo have all made outstanding progress.
Liverpool believes they are possessing a coach who possesses many qualities necessary to open a new cycle of success. Iraola has not won major titles like many other candidates, but he brings what Liverpool believes the team has lost in recent years.
