Andoni Iraola looks set to take the reins at Liverpool, but the depths of their mess means he is walking into a difficult situation for which he is not equipped to cope.
A Hangover That Lasted a Year
Little did Arne Slot know that the hangover from celebrating a Premier League title win in Ibiza would last so long. Almost 12 months as it happens. And the fact he could never find a cure now means he will be heading back to the beach again this summer, just without a job this time. But now the headache belongs to those who make the biggest decisions at Liverpool. Because the American owners, along with CEO Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, have set a precedent at Anfield.
One we have seen before elsewhere, on a consistent and depressing basis in equal measure. And now one which has even infiltrated a club which is supposed to represent the bastion of stability. So the best of British to whoever is appointed Slot's successor. Because failure will not be an option.
The High Stakes of Failure
Should Liverpool decide to hand the reins to Andoni Iraola, then it will not just be the Spaniard's reputation put on the line. It will also be the one belonging to the owners and kingmakers in the boardroom. Failure will not be an option. Liverpool is a team which has to win. And the next manager will not be allowed a honeymoon period. He will not be granted some grace if results go against him in the first three months of next season.
Supporters, those same ones who got Slot the sack after turning on him, will not abide defeats. This is what top flight football has become now. A treadmill of treachery. A revolving door for all those who cannot engineer instant and then sustained success. Chelsea sacked three managers after the same success Slot managed. Carlo Ancelotti got the bullet at the end of his second season. He had done the Double in his first one.
Lessons from Past Failures
Because Liverpool are on a whole new level to what Iraola is used to. One of the biggest clubs in the world, steeped in history and tradition. And this is part of the problem. Xabi Alonso made the giant leap from Bayer Leverkusen to Real Madrid, and was gone within seven months. David Moyes left Everton to manage Manchester United, and lasted 13 months. Graeme Potter swapped Brighton for Chelsea, and did not complete a single season.
The Case for Luis Enrique
Liverpool should move heaven and earth to lure Luis Enrique to Anfield. It probably will not happen. But Liverpool should at least ask the question. Because the club needs the best active manager on the planet to restore them to their former glories. Luis Enrique is fresh off back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG, proving his ability to handle elite pressure and deliver silverware.
The next manager will not be allowed a honeymoon period. He will not be granted some grace if results go against him in the first three months of next season. This is what top flight football has become now. A treadmill of treachery. A revolving door for all those who cannot engineer instant and then sustained success.
