Liverpool told to replace Arne Slot with Premier League manager

“I’m concerned because it’s not good.”

That sentiment may sound harsh, but Liverpool’s recent performances have lacked authority. Too often the side appears caught between identities, neither capable of overwhelming opponents nor consistently controlling matches.

Andoni Iraola Reputation Continues Rising

Into that uncertainty steps Andoni Iraola, a coach whose reputation has accelerated dramatically over the past 18 months. Bournemouth’s football has carried intensity, bravery and tactical clarity, qualities Liverpool supporters traditionally admire.

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Cascarino suggested Liverpool should seriously consider entering the race for the Spaniard.

“He’s probably been offered something that’s better. It’s like when you’re a player. If you play brilliantly for a club at Bournemouth, like Semenyo or others, you get the vultures hanging over you and take you away to the bigger clubs.

“I’m sure he knows where he’s going.

“We’ve got Marco Silva in that position. We don’t quite know what the outcome is going to be. Obviously, Oliver Glasner as well at Crystal Palace.

“Don’t tell me these guys don’t know where they’re going.”

There is logic to the argument. Iraola has transformed Bournemouth into one of the Premier League’s most organised and aggressive teams. Recruitment has improved, players have developed rapidly and performances have consistently exceeded expectations.

Richard Hughes Connection Fuels Speculation

Football rarely operates in straight lines. Relationships matter, timing matters and existing connections matter even more.

Cascarino pointed directly towards Iraola’s relationship with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.

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“He brought him to Bournemouth and now he’s at Liverpool.

“He did that negotiation. He was there. You have connections in football and people you deal with.

“He’d have dealt with the agent. He’d have worked with him. Now, I’m putting two and two and making five, but it’s not that unlikely that a club like Liverpool could look at him.”

That final phrase matters because this still feels speculative rather than imminent. Liverpool have shown no indication publicly that Slot is under immediate threat. Yet football moves quickly once doubt settles into the atmosphere.

Cascarino finished with perhaps the strongest endorsement of all.

“I look at Bournemouth and the way they play and the amount of talent that has just improved under him.

“Now, this is a guy that couldn’t buy a win when he first got the job. And since then, his teams have literally been on Champions League form and they’re not too far off the Champions League spots now.”

At Liverpool, future planning never truly stops.