A significant summer of transformation is unfolding at Liverpool following the dismissal of head coach Arne Slot. The club is now poised for further adjustments within both the coaching staff and playing squad.
Two More Coaches Set to Exit
Assistant coaches Sipke Hulshoff and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are expected to follow Slot out of Anfield, according to reports. Van Bronckhorst, a former Arsenal star, joined Liverpool in June 2025, while Hulshoff arrived alongside Slot a year earlier. Their anticipated departures come after performance coach Ruben Peeters confirmed his exit from the club, having been at Anfield since 2024.
Peeters released a statement expressing his gratitude: “After two unforgettable seasons at Liverpool FC, it is time to say goodbye. Winning the Premier League together will always be a special memory and the ultimate highlight of this incredible journey. But above all, I’m grateful for two years of going to work every day with such enthusiasm, surrounded by amazing colleagues and great people. Thank you to everyone at Liverpool FC for the trust, support and unforgettable moments.”
Iraola's Potential Arrival and Backroom Staff
Andoni Iraola is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Slot, with the Spaniard looking to bring his Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick to Liverpool, alongside Pablo de la Torre, Shaun Cooper, and Tom Webber. Elphick recently turned down the chance to take over at Bristol City, fueling speculation that he will join the Reds this summer.
Internal Disagreement Over Iraola Appointment
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have reportedly clashed over the pending appointment of Iraola. Although Liverpool and the former Athletic Club defender have reportedly reached an agreement on a two-year deal, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness claims there has been internal debate.
Wyness told Football Insider: “They decided late in the season on the Slot issue that they were going to have to make a move; they’re now finding themselves picking Iraola because he’s available. Is that really the right way to have gone and picked a manager? It could have been a bit of undue haste that they may wish to repent on later on. I’m not entirely convinced that Iraola is the one that they’ve been hunting all season. I think that would have been much clearer, and it would have been labelled earlier. There are some question marks, I think internally. I think there’s been a little bit of disagreement between Richard Hughes and the others at the top of Liverpool as to how they’re going to approach it. Iraola is available, and it’s been done quickly, but as I say that brings up a question mark in my mind as to whether he really was the one that they really wanted.”
However, the decision to part ways with Slot was reportedly unanimous. According to The Athletic, “the decision was taken by Hughes and (Michael) Edwards” with the understanding of the FSG board, which includes principal owner John W. Henry, chairman Tom Werner, and FSG president Mike Gordon.
