Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has expressed his excitement at the prospect of Andoni Iraola becoming the club's next manager, following the departure of Arne Slot. Slot left his role with immediate effect after a disappointing end to the 2025/26 season, despite securing Champions League qualification.
Iraola, 43, is the frontrunner to replace Slot after leaving Bournemouth following their final match of the campaign. The Spaniard spent three years at the Vitality Stadium, guiding the Cherries to an impressive sixth-place finish in the Premier League. Reports suggest he is holding out for a call from Liverpool and is eager to succeed Slot at Anfield.
Collymore, who made 81 appearances for Liverpool, gave the potential appointment a 'big thumbs up' on social media. 'Very excited if Iraola gets the Liverpool job,' he wrote. 'Excellent coach with a defined style but not stubborn enough to stick with it if it doesn't work. Great communicator... he makes average players good, good players great.'
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard also endorsed Iraola, telling TNT Sports: 'I think he's done a fabulous job at Bournemouth. I think his style would suit Liverpool.' Gerrard noted that Liverpool's board have links to Bournemouth, which could work in Iraola's favour, but acknowledged other candidates would be interested in the role.
Iraola's high-tempo, pressing style is seen as a good fit for Liverpool, who lacked pace and intensity in the latter part of the season. The Reds have placed Iraola firmly at the top of their wishlist, though AC Milan and Crystal Palace are also interested in securing his services.
