Andoni Iraola looks set to introduce a completely different set of rules on one key issue at Liverpool if he's chosen to replace the sacked Arne Slot as manager. The Basque boss is the overwhelming favourite to take the reins at Anfield after departing Bournemouth this summer, and his approach to player rest is expected to be the polar opposite of his predecessor.
Iraola's Intense Philosophy
Granting players and staff generous amounts of downtime whenever possible was a defining feature of Slot's tenure at Liverpool. Iraola, however, appears to hold a contrasting philosophy when it comes to dedication throughout the season. He has been known to go weeks on end without giving players a day off, a method that initially shocked his Bournemouth squad but ultimately proved successful.
Insight from Former Player
During an appearance on In The Mixer back in April, former Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo lifted the lid on the changes Iraola introduced following his arrival in 2023. "The way he structured the weeks, we didn't really have any days off, nothing," said the Ghana international. "It's very hard going from having Wednesday and Sunday off to having no days off."
Semenyo elaborated on the demanding schedule: "We would play on the Saturday, train on the Sunday. The players that were in the starting XI would do like the first maybe 30, 40 minutes of the session, so you're hanging, your legs have gone. You're doing the possession, you have to run around, you're thinking, 'Oh, dear!'"
He added that the intensity has not relented: "Even now, it hasn't changed, some of the boys are like, 'No day off this week again' in the group chat. It still hasn't changed!"
Contrast with Slot's Approach
Intensity was a term frequently linked with Jurgen Klopp's approach during his silverware-filled reign at Anfield. That changed dramatically following Slot's appointment in April 2024. While Slot's methods initially brought success—securing the Premier League and coming close to winning the quadruple in his debut season—excessive downtime was suggested as a problem during his second campaign as standards declined.
By contrast, Iraola endured a difficult start at Bournemouth and came perilously close to losing his job early in his tenure. However, his commitment to training ground work eventually paid dividends as the Cherries rose up the table.
Fan Reaction and Expectations
Liverpool players were frequently spotted jetting off for holidays when given short breaks throughout the past season. Even Slot faced criticism from some supporters for taking trips to Ibiza and Dubai too regularly when Liverpool had time off. Plenty of fans will welcome more demanding methods returning to the club if Iraola is named the next manager.
A brighter conclusion to the campaign saw Liverpool rediscover their form to secure Champions League qualification despite finishing fifth in the league. Supporters will be hoping Iraola can make the leap to genuine title contention in what would comfortably represent the most significant managerial appointment of his career so far.
