Andoni Iraola makes first key decision after becoming clear favourite for Liverpool job
Andoni Iraola has already decided what he will do first if he becomes the new manager of Liverpool, it has been reported.
Iraola is the clear favourite to replace Arne Slot after the Dutchman was sacked on Saturday afternoon, according to The Athletic.
The Spaniard left Bournemouth following their final Premier League match of the season, having announced his departure in April.
He is said to have held talks with AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace but now looks likely to become the next manager in charge at Anfield.
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Iraola guided Bournemouth to a sixth-placed finish in his final season in charge, and presided over a club-record unbeaten run of 18 matches that the Cherries will have the opportunity to extend under new manager Marco Rose next term.
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Should the Spaniard take over Liverpool, he will restore a new high-tempo style of play which is closer to what Reds fans were used to under Jurgen Klopp than what Slot employed during his second season.
Iraola makes key Liverpool decision
According to The Times, Iraola has already made his first significant decision ahead of potentially becoming Liverpool boss.
It is said that he wants to bring Bournemouth first-team coach Tommy Elphick with him to Anfield, this time as his assistant manager.
Elphick, who made almost 400 career appearances before being forced to retire at the age of 34 through injury, helped Bournemouth to promotion to the Premier League in 2015 and has developed a strong reputation as a coach.
He is also a lifelong Liverpool supporter, and told the Bournemouth Echo in 2014 that he 'could not have wished for a better draw' after the Cherries drew Liverpool in the League Cup.
Elphick was approached by Championship side Bristol City to become their new manager earlier this week, but turned the opportunity down.
It was reported that Bournemouth wanted him to remain part of their coaching staff under their new boss Rose.
But given the new developments surrounding Liverpool and Slot, he could well now be holding out for a different opportunity instead.
Liverpool 'have two-man shortlist' to replace Slot
Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam claims that Liverpool have a two-man shortlist to replace Slot - but did not reveal the identity of the second manager after Iraola.
He has speculated as to whether the Reds could approach PSG boss Luis Enrique following the Champions League final.
"At this stage, we know Liverpool haven't officially spoken to any candidates, but we know Andoni Iraola is one of those that they would like to speak to," McAdam wrote.
"I do find it fascinating that Liverpool have sacked Arne Slot today. In the next 24 hours there could be some significant changes at PSG. Who knows?
"We know there are two names on Liverpool's shortlist. Andoni Iraola's one. Who is the other one? I just find it really intriguing that the announcement comes on a day like today."
Other managers linked with the vacant Liverpool role include Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Lens head coach Pierre Sage.
Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Arne Slot
Ryan Smart