Liverpool agree deal for Andoni Iraola amid FSG dispute and staff exodus
Liverpool are preparing for a major summer overhaul following the dismissal of manager Arne Slot, with Andoni Iraola lined up as his replacement amid an exodus of coaching staff and internal board disagreements.
The Merseyside club have reportedly reached an agreement to hand the Basque coach a two-year contract.
However, the impending appointment has sparked intense debate within the Anfield hierarchy.
Sporting director Richard Hughes and owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have reportedly disagreed over the suitability of the former Athletic Club defender.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness claims the board may be rushing the decision simply because their target is currently available.
“They decided late in the season on the Slot issue that they were going to have to make a move; they’re now finding themselves picking Iraola because he’s available,” Wyness told Football Insider.
“Is that really the right way to have gone and picked a manager? It could have been a bit of undue haste that they may wish to repent on later on.”
Backroom staff exodus continues
The anticipated arrival of the Spanish tactician coincides with a mass departure of existing coaching personnel.
Assistant coaches Sipke Hulshoff and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are expected to follow Slot out of the club.
This follows the confirmed departure of performance coach Ruben Peeters, who announced his exit after a highly successful two-year stint.
“After two unforgettable seasons at Liverpool FC, it is time to say goodbye,” Peeters wrote.
“Winning the Premier League together will always be a special memory and the ultimate highlight of this incredible journey.”
Iraola prepares his own coaching team
To fill the impending void, the incoming manager plans to bring his own trusted lieutenants to L4.
Tommy Elphick, who recently rejected the managerial vacancy at Bristol City, is heavily tipped to join the new setup.
Pablo de la Torre, Shaun Cooper and Tom Webber are also anticipated to form part of the new-look coaching staff.
Defensive reshuffle on the horizon
The turbulence at the Premier League club extends beyond the dugout and into the playing squad.
French international centre-back Ibrahima Konate is reportedly nearing a high-profile transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
His potential departure will force the Reds to be aggressive in the upcoming transfer window as they urgently seek defensive reinforcements.