Andoni Iraola on Liverpool coaching shortlist

When Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool last season, the club's executives had an enormous decision to make.

After all, how on earth do you begin to replace your most successful manager since Sir Kenny Dalglish?

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The task ahead of them was enormous and while plenty of names were discussed, the priority for Liverpool was Arne Slot from Feyenoord, a coach who played a similar system to that of Klopp and who would understand what it means to be at the helm of a club like Liverpool.

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Slot was given the role of 'head coach', focusing purely on matters on the pitch, and after making a bright start throughout pre-season and in the opening few weeks of the campaign, Liverpool fans can be in no doubt that the right decision was made as the club sits in a commanding position in the Premier League.

But, according to a recent report, Liverpool were considering a move for someone else before Slot's appointment, and he too has gone on to deliver a successful campaign for his team this season.

Iraola was on Liverpool's radar before Slot

According to TBR Football, Andoni Iraola - the hot favourite to leave Bournemouth and replace Ange Postecoglu at Tottenham - was a name Liverpool were considering in the summer as a potential Klopp successor.

Their latest report reads: "The 42-year-old was also discussed by Liverpool’s hierarchy as they looked at their options to replace Jurgen Klopp last year.

"Richard Hughes knew him well, but it was deemed too early in his managerial journey."

Now of course no Liverpool fan should be questioning Slot's position as the Reds' head coach right now and, despite Iraola's success this season, a move for the Spanish manager would recognisably have been premature.

Slot has taken to life in Merseyside like a duck to water and the club is firmly on track to deliver some silverware, as the team is in its second successive Carabao Cup final, and leads the Premier League by four points - with a game in hand on second-place Arsenal as Wolves visit Anfield on Sunday.

But it is fascinating to know that Iraola was an option. His Cherries side is very pragmatic as they are one of the more openly attacking football teams, yet ensuring that their defence is stable - unlike Ange Postecoglu's Spurs at the moment.

Bournemouth have the third-best defensive record in the Premier League this season while scoring the fifth-most goals. His project is working and it's logical to suggest that Liverpool would've been an enticing prospect if they had gone for him, although it is easy to say so in hindsight now that his side has surpassed all expectations.

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Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see what path his career takes over the next few years because, although Liverpool will not want to move on from Slot anytime soon, Iraola could still be an option worth considering when the club decides to change manager again in the future.

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Liverpool's next game and how to watch live

Liverpool’s game against Wolves will kick-off at 14:00 GMT on Sunday 16th February.

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event and Ultra HD.

Not a Sky subscriber? You can sign up here to watch the Reds live.