Emery Over Iraola: Liverpool's Ideal Slot Successor Already on Their Doorstep

The whispers are growing louder at Anfield. Despite Liverpool's Premier League triumph under Arne Slot last season, a troubling regression this campaign—coupled with public barbs from Mohamed Salah—has left the Dutch manager's position far from watertight, even if Champions League qualification materialises.

When Slot departs, speculation has naturally turned to Andoni Iraola as his likely replacement. The Bournemouth boss is heading for the exit this summer and would represent a ready-made alternative. Yet Fenway Sports Group should resist the obvious choice and instead aim considerably higher.

Unai Emery sits at Villa Park, transforming a team that was merely a point clear of the relegation zone when he arrived in November 2022. The contrast is striking: Iraola, a capable operator at a modest club, versus a manager who has systematically elevated every outfit he's touched across Europe's elite leagues.

The Villa manager's CV speaks volumes. He steered Valencia repeatedly into Champions League contention, won the Europa League three times consecutively at Sevilla, collected Ligue 1 and Coupe de France honours at PSG, guided Arsenal to a European final in his sole full campaign, and delivered Villarreal to the Champions League semi-finals in 2021/22. This season's Europa League triumph with Villa represents his fifth European title—a distinction shared only with Trapattoni, Mourinho, and Ancelotti.

Yes, Emery is contracted until 2029 and has publicly declared his ambition to win the Premier League with Villa. Prising him away would demand considerable effort and resources. But that's precisely why FSG should at least attempt it.

The comparison to Jurgen Klopp will provoke fury among the Anfield faithful, yet the evidence suggests Emery belongs in that elite managerial bracket. Alberto Moreno, who played under both men, was unequivocal on the matter. Having won the Europa League with Emery at both Sevilla and Villarreal, the now-Como defender told The Guardian in May 2021: "My relationship with Klopp was perfect and, with Unai, he's the best coach I've ever had. He knows how to squeeze the best out of you, what to say at any moment, how to get the group to go out and 'eat' the opposition."

Emery possesses something Iraola, for all his competence, cannot yet claim: a track record of transforming modest sides into genuine powerhouses. He's a manager who has left his fingerprints across multiple continents and consistently delivered silverware.

If Fenway Sports Group genuinely intends to move on from Slot, settling for Iraola would represent a missed opportunity. Emery should be their first port of call—or at the very least, worth a serious approach.