Former Liverpool superstar's cryptic post has Anfield dreaming of him joining Andoni Iraola as coach

A former Liverpool star has shared a cryptic post amid speculation that he could join the coaching staff under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool reached a verbal agreement to appoint Iraola as their new head coach on Tuesday night, with The Athletic reporting that the former Bournemouth boss had agreed to sign a two-year contract.

Iraola is expected to be officially announced as Arne Slot's replacement later this week.

ESPN report that Iraola has assembled a five-player transfer shortlist and that strengthening both wings is a key priority.

The Reds have been linked with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, West Ham's Jarrod Bowen and PSG's Bradley Barcola.

READ MORE: Andoni Iraola demands five new signings in dramatic Liverpool squad overhaul

One of Iraola's other early priorities will be his coaching staff, with the Spaniard hoping to be accompanied to Anfield by several members of his Bournemouth backroom staff including coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper.

There has been speculation that an unnamed former Liverpool player could join Iraola's coaching staff to offer valuable experience of the club.

James Milner announced his retirement from professional football on Monday after ending his career with Brighton and Hove Albion, while Thiago Alcantara left his coaching role with Barcelona's first team under Hansi Flick last month.

Milner won seven trophies with Liverpool as a player, including a Premier League and Champions League title, while Thiago was a high-profile acquisition from Bayern Munich in the season after the Reds won the league and helped them to two trophies.

The Spaniard also received a runners-up medal after Liverpool lost to Real Madrid in the 2022 Champions League final.

The Times' Paul Joyce claimed earlier this week that no approach had been made to Thiago's representatives by Liverpool - but that doesn't mean the situation hasn't changed in the meantime.

Ex-Liverpool star could join Iraola at Anfield

A cryptic post uploaded to former midfielder Thiago's Instagram story page has got Reds fans talking.

The post - which has sparked speculation of an Anfield return - features an image of a pool, alongside the caption: "One more time."

Image: @thiago6

Thiago was released by Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season following a string of injury problems towards the end of his time at Anfield.

He subsequently announced his retirement from professional football at the age of just 33.

Then Reds manager Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to Thiago upon the announcement that he was leaving Anfield, describing him as a player 'who could play in any team in the world'.

"I could not have been happier when he decided to take on a new challenge with us," Klopp stated.

"From that point on I got to see him up close and all I can say is 'Wow'. Most importantly, he was part of a new story and helped us develop as a team because of his special qualities.

"I know injuries have been a frustration for him and also for us, but the level that he was able to play at when he was available was incredible. This is what I will remember.

"Now he will go in a new direction with his family and we can only wish them well."

That direction could well now be a U-turn back in Anfield in the near future.