Liverpool agree Andoni Iraola deal despite ‘big-six’ manager curse

Andoni Iraola has reached a verbal agreement to become the new Liverpool manager, facing the historical challenge of stepping up to a ‘big-six’ Premier League club.

Moving from an overachieving side to an elite English institution is widely regarded as a natural career progression.

However, historical data suggests the leap from a smaller top-flight team to the traditional heavyweights is fraught with difficulty.

The Basque tactician recently guided Bournemouth to an impressive sixth-place finish in the table.

Now, the incoming Anfield chief must prove he can succeed where highly rated predecessors have dramatically failed.

Short and brutal spells

The scrutiny at traditional elite clubs is immense and immediate.

For most coaches making this upward move, tenures are remarkably short and completely lack major silverware.

David Moyes remains the most prominent cautionary tale following his ill-fated stint at Manchester United.

Hand-picked by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, the Scottish boss lasted just 10 months of a six-year contract.

Stand by your new manager.

Despite that famous parting plea from his legendary predecessor, Moyes was dismissed after failing to secure Champions League qualification.

Repeating a difficult history

Roy Hodgson suffered a similarly brief tenure on Merseyside over a decade ago.

After guiding Fulham to a European final, the veteran tactician lasted barely six months before being sacked by the Reds.

Recent history offers equally grim reading for upwardly mobile managers attempting to bridge the gap.

Graham Potter endured a torrid 22-game spell at Chelsea after leaving Brighton with a stellar reputation.

Meanwhile, Nuno Espirito Santo survived a mere 10 league fixtures at Tottenham Hotspur following his sustained success with Wolves.

The elusive search for trophies

Even managers granted more time at elite sides have struggled to deliver tangible success.

Mauricio Pochettino, Brendan Rodgers and Harry Redknapp all enjoyed multi-year spells at traditional powerhouses without securing top-tier trophies.

More recently, Thomas Frank found the transition too steep during a brief 26-game tenure in north London.

Liverpool’s incoming head coach arrives with a burgeoning reputation built on aggressive, high-pressing football.

Whether the 41-year-old can finally break this relentless Premier League curse remains his ultimate tactical test.