Liverpool will conduct a comprehensive end-of-season review involving the board and first-team squad to determine the future of head coach Arne Slot following the final match of the campaign against Brentford. While internal sources suggest the club’s formal position on the 47-year-old Dutchman remains unchanged despite social media speculation of an imminent dismissal, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is a concrete candidate to take over should the review lead to a change in leadership. Iraola, 43, is understood to be leaving the Vitality Stadium this summer after securing European qualification with the Cherries.
Slot future tied to seasonal review
According to Romano, the scheduled review will assess the trajectory of the squad following a campaign that has seen Liverpool slip from Premier League champions in 2024/25 to a battle for fifth place. Despite an outlay of £440m in the summer transfer window, the regression in form has led to internal friction. Speaking via his YouTube channel, Romano stated: “I absolutely confirm that there will be an end-of-season review at Liverpool. So for sure Iraola would be a candidate [if they part ways with Slot].” Reporting from Graeme Bailey suggests that support for Slot is no longer unanimous within the club's hierarchy, though James Pearce of The Athletic notes that no definitive decision to sack the coach has been formalised ahead of Sunday's fixture.
The Richard Hughes and Iraola connection
The link to Iraola is framed by his existing relationship with Liverpool Sporting Director Richard Hughes, who was responsible for appointing the Spaniard at Bournemouth in 2023. Iraola’s tactical profile aligns with the “Head Coach” model favoured by Fenway Sports Group, particularly after the club missed out on Xabi Alonso to Chelsea. Liverpool’s current squad needs may also dictate a change; Mohamed Salah has publicly voiced a preference for a return to high-intensity “heavy metal” football, a style closely associated with Iraola’s aggressive pressing system at Bournemouth. With Iraola already committed to departing his current post, the administrative path to an appointment would be significantly cleaner than a standard mid-contract pursuit.
Arne Slot is expected to remain in the dugout for the final Premier League fixture against Brentford on 24 May before the board convenes to decide on a potential managerial transition.