SouthernWorldwide.com – Liverpool has appointed Andoni Iraola as their new manager, replacing Arne Slot who led the team to a record-equalling 20th English championship just over a year ago.
The change in leadership comes after a disappointing Premier League title defense last season, which saw the Reds suffer 12 defeats. Their struggles extended to cup competitions, with heavy losses in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League.
While Slot was not solely to blame for the team’s decline, their lack of intensity and consistent underperformance led to fan weariness. The team appeared mentally and physically fragile for much of the campaign, struggling to score goals and maintain clean sheets.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has tasked Iraola with revitalizing the squad. Hughes previously hired Iraola for Bournemouth in 2023, where he achieved remarkable success with limited resources. Despite losing key defenders last summer, Iraola guided the Cherries to a historic sixth-place finish in the Premier League, playing an attractive “front-foot football” style.
This track record has convinced Liverpool’s hierarchy that Iraola is the ideal candidate to turn things around at Anfield. However, the new manager faces a significant challenge with numerous issues to address before the new season begins in August.
Get Isak Firing
A new manager typically wants their key players available for pre-season. However, in Alexander Isak’s case, his participation in the World Cup might be beneficial for Liverpool.
The Sweden international endured an injury-plagued first season on Merseyside, starting only 13 games. Arne Slot believed that playing “a lot of games” in the World Cup could serve as a springboard for Isak’s second season.
The primary risk is another injury, but Isak desperately needs match minutes. A successful World Cup, where he remains fit and regains confidence, could be a massive boost for Iraola.
Isak has already shown promising signs, scoring a stunning goal in a friendly against Norway. Iraola, familiar with the player from his time at Bournemouth, knows the potential of the player Liverpool needs.
While a repeat of his previous four-goal tally is unthinkable for a £125 million player, Iraola will want Isak back for pre-season to emphasize pressing. The World Cup could be crucial in helping the new manager get the best out of his new number nine.
Iraola’s work with younger players at Bournemouth, like Eli Junior Kroupi, suggests he could unlock Isak’s full potential if he remains fit.
What To Do With Wirtz
Iraola’s task of getting Isak firing would be significantly easier if he can unlock Florian Wirtz’s immense potential.
There were brief moments during the 2025-26 campaign where Liverpool’s attack seemed to click. A prime example was Isak’s goal against Tottenham, assisted by Wirtz, offering a glimpse of a brighter future.
However, this optimism was short-lived as Isak suffered a season-ending injury shortly after scoring. Wirtz, despite displaying flashes of genius, often disappeared, especially in crucial matches.
The hope is that Iraola’s new tactical approach will benefit the £100 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen, who is expected to operate as a number 10 in the preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Wirtz faces pressure to prove he can handle the Premier League’s intensity and physicality. This would silence critics who suggest Dominik Szoboszlai might be a better option in midfield ahead of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
The midfield composition is critical for Iraola. Last season, Liverpool were often overrun, with Gravenberch offering attacking threat but lacking defensive cover, and Mac Allister appearing exhausted.
It’s likely Iraola will seek a specialist defensive midfielder (number six) to ease the burden on Gravenberch, restore balance, and allow Wirtz to focus on his playmaking abilities.
Develop Salah’s Successor
Wirtz also needs more quality options in attack, especially with a clear void on Liverpool’s right wing.
Despite speculation about Mohamed Salah’s potential return after Slot’s sacking, the Egyptian King is not expected back at Anfield soon. The search for his successor has already begun.
This is a challenging task, given Salah’s record as Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer and assist provider in the Premier League.
The club could have addressed this issue earlier by signing Antoine Semenyo last summer. Instead, he joined rivals Manchester City, forcing Liverpool to potentially pay a much higher fee for their current top target, Yan Diomande.
Iraola’s success with wingers like Semenyo and Rayan at Bournemouth indicates his ability to elevate the performance of any winger signed to replace Salah.
Help Jacquet Settle ASAP
The departure of Ibrahima Konate due to wage demands leaves Liverpool short of experienced central defenders. While captain Virgil van Dijk may have another strong season, and Joe Gomez’s fitness remains a concern, the team needs reliable options.
With teenager Giovanni Leoni’s recovery from an ACL injury uncertain, the responsibility falls on new signing Jeremy Jacquet to make an immediate impact.
Jacquet himself faced a significant spell on the sidelines last season due to a shoulder injury sustained shortly after his £60 million transfer to Liverpool was confirmed.
However, Jacquet is reported to have made a full recovery and should be fit for pre-season. Iraola needs the Frenchman to justify the significant investment in a defender with limited top-flight experience.
Iraola’s previous success at Bournemouth, developing players like Dean Huijsen who attracted interest from Real Madrid, suggests he can help Jacquet settle in quickly.
Convince Alisson To Stay
Liverpool had anticipated Alisson Becker’s declining availability due to injuries and planned for his succession by agreeing a deal with Valencia for Giorgi Mamardashvili. This led to Caoimhin Kelleher’s departure to Brentford.
However, both decisions now appear questionable. Kelleher played a crucial role in Brentford’s surprising ninth-place finish, while Mamardashvili struggled to adapt during his initial appearances for Liverpool.
Despite the weak defense in front of him, Mamardashvili displayed a consistent nervousness, particularly with the ball at his feet. This has led to reports that Liverpool are no longer willing to let Alisson join Juventus.
While Alisson reportedly still wishes to move to Turin, Iraola should attempt to convince him to stay for another year. Alisson may not be able to play every game, but Liverpool needs more time to find a suitable successor to Mamardashvili.
Sort The Problem Position
Jeremie Frimpong’s omission from the Netherlands’ World Cup squad was surprising, given his previous standing. However, his poor first season at Liverpool, marked by struggles for form and fitness, makes his absence understandable.
Frimpong started just 23 games, contributing only two assists and two goals, a stark contrast to his prolific record at Bayer Leverkusen.
His defensive capabilities at right-back are questionable, and while he possesses blistering pace, his positioning and decision-making are inconsistent.
Frimpong’s struggles would be less problematic if Conor Bradley could consistently play twice a week, but another injury-plagued season makes this unlikely.
Iraola faces a significant decision at right-back. If he cannot rely on either Frimpong or Bradley’s fitness, a summer signing will be essential, as Liverpool still needs to address the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
