Liverpool are in talks with Andoni Iraola about becoming the next head coach at Anfield, following the sudden sacking of Arne Slot over the weekend10:07, 02 Jun 2026Updated 10:26, 02 Jun 2026Liverpool want to make sure they appoint a head coach whose philosophy is in line with the club's vision, as talks with Andoni Iraola begin. The Reds are on the hunt for Arne Slot's successor after sacking the Dutchman at the weekend and the appointment of the former Cherries boss is edging closer.‌Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the front-runner to take over at Anfield, having helped guide the Cherries into the Europa League for the first time in the club's history. The Spanish boss, who is set to leave the Vitality Stadium when his contract expires this summer, has built up an impressive reputation for attacking, free-flowing football.‌Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is leading the Reds' search for a new manager and knows Iraola well from his time at Bournemouth.‌FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageThe Reds hierarchy will not rush into an appointment, and wants to carry out a full interview process with prospective candidates. The club have not made any approaches to individuals with a view to joining the club as part of Iraola's backroom staff, with no decision made yet regarding the managerial position.Iraola is the frontrunner to take over from Slot and has been in talks with AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen about taking over at those respected clubs. However, reports last week surfaced claiming the 43-year-old was holding out for the Liverpool job to become available, which may have forced the Reds' hands over the weekend.‌Liverpool sacked Slot after two-years at Anfield following a disappointing campaign. The Reds won the Premier League title in his first year at the club, but there was a significant drop off in form last season.Slot is said to have been take by surprise at the club's decision to sack him, with plans already underway ahead of the summer transfer window.‌Explaining the decision to part ways with the Dutch head coach, a joint-statement from the club's owners said: "That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful."As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field."From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it. This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens.‌"At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but."We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title. That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!‌"He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person."As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come."Nevertheless, the conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.Article continues below"Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield."