Andoni Iraola has been told he will fall short of guiding Liverpool into the Premier League's top four, a target Arne Slot also failed to achieve before losing his job. The claim comes from former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann, who also suggested the club "badly overspent" on last summer's recruits.
Liverpool head to west London on Saturday looking to end a two-match losing streak in the Premier League. The Reds briefly silenced the noise following a heavy 3-0 loss to Manchester City by overwhelming LASK 6-3 in Europe, but returning to winning ways domestically will be a far tougher assignment.
Hamann's top-four warning
Brentford have been one of the division's surprise packages under Keith Andrews, boasting an undefeated six-match record that leaves them fourth in the table. Beyond the tactical battle at the Gtech Community Stadium, the rumour mill is beginning to churn as Iraola prepares for his first winter transfer window in charge.
For many supporters, a successful and realistic debut campaign for Iraola at Liverpool would constitute a top-four finish and a lengthy cup run. Yet even that target appears beyond reach, according to Hamann, who said: "Finishing in the top four for Liverpool this season will be a success, but I don't see it happening."
"I don't see closing that 25-point gap with Arsenal from last year," the German added. Hamann, 53, suggested his former club face fierce competition in their battle for Champions League qualification, adding: "This season they've got a fight on their hands to finish in the top four."
Spending under scrutiny
"City and Arsenal are guaranteed if there is no points deduction this season, Chelsea doesn't have European football, and you have the likes of Brighton and Brentford, who have made an impressive start. Then I expect Man United to turn things around at some stage, depending on what happens with the manager," he said.
Hamann also set his sights on Liverpool's expenditure over the past year, which has amounted to more than £300m spent on Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola alone. The 2005 Champions League winner added: "Liverpool's only chance is Iraola getting a tune out of those players brought in last year but so far he hasn't managed it."
"Granted, Liverpool are never the biggest spenders, but I believe in the summer after winning the title they thought if we spend now, we can dominate for the next four or five years. And in reality, other than [Hugo] Ekitike before his injury, none of those players have stepped up and performed. So they didn't just overspend, they badly overspent."
Scott transfer latest
A potential reunion with Bournemouth star Alex Scott is gaining traction ahead of the January window. Reports emerged earlier this week that Bournemouth are prepared to allow their prized asset to depart, though they would demand a fee of £100m for his services.
Liverpool showed interest in the England international, who previously played under Iraola at Bournemouth, during the summer transfer window. He was the subject of a fierce pursuit from Chelsea, with Xabi Alonso's side submitting multiple bids for Scott, the highest of which reached £68m.
However, the Mail reports that the Reds are now in the "driving seat" for Scott's signature. Whether Liverpool's hierarchy will sanction yet another £100m+ outlay remains to be seen, particularly given the midfielder has just 20 months remaining on his current deal.
