Liverpool are on the verge of appointing Andoni Iraola as their new manager following the shock sacking of Arne Slot, but The Athletic journalist James Pearce has issued a stark warning about the risks involved in FSG’s latest high-stakes gamble.
The Basque coach, who impressed at Bournemouth, is expected to be confirmed as Slot’s successor in the coming days. While many see his high-intensity, front-footed style as the perfect antidote to a disappointing season that ended with no silverware and a lowly fifth-placed finish, Pearce believes significant concerns remain.
Slot’s exit came just one year after he delivered the Premier League title to Anfield. However, a woeful campaign saw the Dutchman come under increasing criticism for a perceived lack of tempo, intensity, and high pressing. According to club correspondent Graeme Bailey, FSG felt they had little choice but to part ways with the 47-year-old.
Pearce’s six major fears
Despite acknowledging the logic behind the move, James Pearce has outlined six key reasons why appointing Iraola represents a significant gamble for Liverpool:
- The enormous step-up in pressure, scrutiny, and expectation from managing Bournemouth to one of the world’s biggest clubs.
- The difference in workload — Iraola has primarily operated with one game per week at Bournemouth, unlike the intense multi-competition schedule at Liverpool.
- A lack of elite European pedigree, particularly experience in the Champions League at the highest level.
- Questions over whether his methods, while successful at a smaller club, will translate to a squad packed with superstars and global expectations.
- The challenge of quickly rebuilding squad chemistry and tactical understanding amid a transitional period.
- The risk that his high-intensity approach, though promising, may require a near-total squad refresh to be truly effective.
“I can understand the attraction,” Pearce told talkSPORT’s The Warm Up. “His record in the Premier League at Bournemouth is outstanding, especially when you frame it in the context of the elite talent and the best players that he’s lost in the last couple of years.”
Pearce noted that Iraola’s footballing philosophy was shaped under Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao and bears similarities to Jürgen Klopp’s heavy-metal style — something Liverpool supporters have been craving after Slot’s more measured approach.
Intensity and aggression: What Iraola brings
When discussing Bournemouth’s performances under Iraola, Pearce highlighted the very qualities Liverpool have lacked.
“What I love about them is the intensity they play at,” he said. “That is something that Liverpool fans have repeatedly criticised Slot for… They need a change of direction to a more front-footed, aggressive approach.”
Pearce believes Iraola will get Liverpool “running a lot more” and working harder off the ball — areas where the team has been outworked too often this season.
Major squad rebuild required — at least five signings
Despite his optimism about the new manager’s style, Pearce stressed that Iraola will need significant reinforcements to implement his vision effectively. He estimates a minimum of five new signings this summer.
Key areas requiring attention include:
- Right wing: A top priority is replacing Mohamed Salah. Liverpool have suffered from a lack of pace and dynamism in wide areas all season and may need one or even two new wingers.
- Striker: Hugo Ekitike is sidelined until at least Christmas with a ruptured Achilles, while doubts remain over Alexander Isak’s ability to lead the line consistently.
- Midfield: A lack of physicality and depth has been a major issue. Liverpool may need one or two new midfielders, especially if Curtis Jones departs amid reported interest from Inter Milan.
- Centre-back: Although Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni, and new signing Jeremy Jacquet provide options, Pearce believes another centre-half could still be necessary.
- Right-back: Conor Bradley’s serious knee injury has left the position in crisis, forcing midfielders to fill in and weakening the engine room.
“It needs a lot of work,” Pearce admitted. “There’s a huge amount to sort out, and that is why the Iraola one makes sense because he’s available. You can get him in the door quickly as well, which is important because the clock is ticking.”
Next steps and reaction
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, all other managerial candidates are now out of the picture as Liverpool close in on Iraola. The club’s sporting director Richard Hughes, who knows the 43-year-old well from their time together at Bournemouth, has been instrumental in the pursuit.
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has also given his approval to the imminent appointment, viewing it as a positive step forward for the club.
As the Anfield hierarchy prepares to turn the page on the Slot era, all eyes will be on whether Andoni Iraola can justify FSG’s faith — and whether the necessary squad overhaul can be completed in time to restore Liverpool’s competitive edge.