Iraola Emerges as Potential Liverpool Successor as Slot's Position Weakens

The pressure continues to mount on Arne Slot at Anfield as Liverpool's title defence crumbles. Fan discontent is growing, and suggestions that the club should pursue alternative managerial options refuse to fade—particularly the recurring calls for Xabi Alonso's appointment.

Recent events have done little to ease concerns. A 4-0 drubbing at Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup fixture eliminated Liverpool from the competition and laid bare the team's current malaise. Slot's tenure has been marked by increasingly uninspiring football, with the squad struggling to function effectively across most areas of the pitch.

Yet club hierarchy has publicly backed their manager, though his long-term prospects appear to hinge on achieving silverware or securing Champions League qualification. Given current form, neither outcome looks assured.

According to talkSPORT's Adrian Durham, one candidate who could feasibly fill the vacancy is Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola. Two factors make this scenario plausible: his existing relationship with Liverpool technical director Richard Hughes, who recruited him at the Cherries, and his contract status.

"I reckon, with no inside track, that they will keep faith with him, because he's got enough in the bank over what happened over the course of last season, that they would stick with him for the rest of this season," Durham explained. "All that would matter is that they finish in the top five to make sure that they were playing Champions League football again next season."

Durham believes Iraola represents a realistic possibility precisely because his stock remains high despite Bournemouth's fortunes. The Spaniard's contract expires next summer, creating a potential opening.

"Richard Hughes, Liverpool's technical director, is a massive admirer. Brought him in at Bournemouth, he's done nothing at Bournemouth that would mean his stock has dropped in any way," Durham said. "He's out of contract in the summer, and it wouldn't surprise me if he was one that they wanted to speak to, along with the likes of Xabi Alonso and everybody else."

Another avenue being discussed involves the return of Steven Gerrard, potentially on an interim basis. Pundit Tony Cascarino has expressed enthusiasm for this prospect, drawing parallels with Kenny Dalglish's successful managerial tenure at the club.

"I would hope one day that Steven Gerrard would become the Liverpool manager full-time, because Kenny did it and did it brilliantly well," Cascarino remarked. "He did two stints and there's always been a connection with the boot room at Liverpool and people involved."