Slot Set for Verdict Within 24 Hours as Iraola Circles Anfield Hot Seat

Arne Slot's time at Liverpool could be drawing to a close, with the Reds hierarchy poised to deliver their verdict on the Dutch manager within the next 24 hours.

The Merseyside outfit have endured a campaign well below their customary standards this season. Despite investing over £400m in summer recruits, they're clinging to fifth place in the Premier League—a far cry from title-contention form.

Multiple reports suggest the Liverpool board has already made up its mind to part ways with Slot, having initially granted him additional time to reverse the club's fortunes. That patience appears to have worn thin following conversations with senior players over the weekend. Slot is expected to oversee Sunday's final fixture of the season before learning his fate.

The club's search for a replacement has reportedly shifted focus towards appointing a Head Coach rather than a traditional manager, which may explain limited interest in other high-profile candidates. Sporting director Richard Hughes is understood to be exploring options discreetly, with one name increasingly prominent in the frame: Andoni Iraola.

The Bournemouth boss has impressed considerably this term, guiding the south-coast side to a remarkable sixth-place finish through an attacking, aggressive approach that belies their modest resources. Iraola has already agreed his departure from the Vitality Stadium and is reportedly pushing his representatives hard to secure the Liverpool position come summer.

What appeals to the Liverpool hierarchy about Iraola is his modern yet understated profile, combined with his proven ability to extract maximum performance from his squad. His Bournemouth side have shown no fear against the division's elite—witness their 2-1 victory at Arsenal—making them difficult opponents regardless of circumstances.

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant reckons the Spanish manager would thrive with better personnel at his disposal. Speaking to talkSPORT, Pennant said: "What he's done for Bournemouth was great. And I'm sure if he had some better players at his disposal, maybe he would get a good tune out of them. Because you watch Bournemouth, they went to Arsenal and won 2-1, they didn't look like they were scared. They were in their faces, made it difficult, and came away with the three points. And that's what you need to be when you're a big team."

The Spanish tactician's availability and ambition appear to align perfectly with Liverpool's timeline and requirements as they plot their next chapter.