Some appointments feel right before they’ve even been confirmed.
The logic is too clear.
And the fit is too obvious.
Andoni Iraola at Liverpool is one of those appointments.
And it’s now moved from inevitable to official.
Liverpool reach agreement with Andoni Iraola as manager confirmed as Arne Slot’s replacement
According to David Ornstein, Liverpool have reached an agreement with Andoni Iraola to become their next head coach.
The former Bournemouth manager is set to replace Arne Slot following the Dutchman’s sacking at the weekend.
The speed with which Liverpool have moved is itself a statement.
Slot was sacked on Saturday following a turbulent second season that saw the club finish fifth in the Premier League.
A dramatic collapse from the title they won in his debut campaign — and fail to advance meaningfully in European competition.
By Tuesday, his replacement was confirmed.
However, Iraola was the clear frontrunner from the moment the vacancy emerged.
He spent three seasons at Bournemouth, pushing them to an extraordinary sixth-place finish.
Crucially, Iraola turned down AC Milan for this job.
That tells you everything about his ambition.
And about the regard in which he holds the club he’s now joining.
Xabi Alonso was also considered.
However, the direction was always Iraola.
He arrives at Anfield with a squad that needs major revamping.
With Salah and Robertson leaving, and with Ibrahima Konate moving to Real Madrid, key areas have been exposed.
But he also arrives with the trust of the owners, the desire of the fanbase, and the clear-eyed vision of a manager who knows exactly how he wants to play.
Liverpool have their man.
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