Andoni Iraola has emerged as the leading contender for the Liverpool job following Arne Slot's sacking from the club on Saturday.
The Bournemouth boss is understood to be at the top of Liverpool's shortlist. One key reason is his strong relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes.
Hughes was the man who brought Iraola to Bournemouth in the summer of 2023. The Spaniard arrived from Rayo Vallecano after impressing in La Liga with his attacking style and high-intensity football.
At the time, the appointment raised eyebrows. Bournemouth had just secured Premier League survival under Gary O'Neil. Yet Hughes believed the club needed a different direction.
Liverpool are reportedly set to approach Andoni Iraola over the vacant job
|REUTERS
That gamble paid off.
Iraola transformed Bournemouth into one of the Premier League's most exciting teams. His pressing system and aggressive approach won admirers across England and Europe. Bournemouth eventually secured European qualification during his time at the Vitality Stadium.
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The success of that appointment has strengthened Hughes' reputation. It has also increased confidence in Iraola's ability to take the next step in his managerial career.
Liverpool's hierarchy are now weighing up their options. Reports on Saturday claimed Iraola is the clear favourite to succeed Arne Slot. Several bookmakers have also installed him as the frontrunner for the role.
The connection with Hughes is impossible to ignore.
Andoni Iraola worked with Richard Hughes at Bournemouth and could be reunited at Liverpool
|GETTY
The Liverpool sporting director knows exactly how Iraola works. He has already seen first-hand how the 43-year-old handles recruitment, develops players and implements a tactical identity.
Former Liverpool boss Slot even praised Hughes earlier this year for helping bring both Iraola and Justin Kluivert to Bournemouth.
Speaking before Liverpool faced Bournemouth, Slot said Hughes deserved "a lot of credit" for appointing the Spaniard. He also highlighted the clear structure and playing style that Iraola had introduced.
That endorsement now looks increasingly significant.
Liverpool have built much of their modern success around a sporting director model. The relationship between the manager and recruitment department remains crucial.
Iraola's previous experience working with Hughes could therefore give him an advantage over rival candidates.
Supporters have also reacted positively to the prospect of the Spaniard taking charge.
Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool | PADiscussion across social media and fan forums suggests many Liverpool fans are excited by the possibility of seeing his energetic brand of football at Anfield.
Nothing has been finalised. Liverpool are expected to consider multiple options before making a decision.
However, with Hughes already convinced by Iraola once before, many believe the Bournemouth manager is now perfectly placed to land one of the biggest jobs in world football.