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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Liverpool: Andoni Iraola handed major boost ahead of 'signing contract today'

Andoni Iraola appears to have been handed a boost as he prepares to become Liverpool head coach.

It was reported earlier in the week that Iraola had reached a verbal agreement with Liverpool to succeed Arne Slot following his sacking after just two seasons in charge.

It is understood that the Spaniard will sign a two-year deal with the Reds, and Sky Sports have claimed that he could do so as early as today (Thursday).

One of Iraola’s demands is said to be bringing Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper and Tom Webber - all members of his coaching staff at Bournemouth - along with him to Liverpool.

That wish looks set to be granted with new Bournemouth boss Marco Rose confirming the make-up of his backroom staff at the Vitality Stadium.

"There are two assistant coaches, Marco, like me, Marco Kurth and Frank Geideck," he told AFCB TV. "I met them in Leipzig, or Frank in Monchengladbach.

"I’ll bring an analysis guy with me, but for me it's very important that everyone knows here that again, we don't come to explain something.

"We come here to work together.

"So for me, it's very important that we get very soon the perfect team who is working together in the same direction with a high energy.

"And that's what we try to do."

New Bournemouth manager: Marco Rose (PA)
New Bournemouth manager: Marco Rose (PA)

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, has expressed doubts that Iraola is the right fit for the club, citing the current players may struggle to adapt to the Spaniard’s playing style.

"If Liverpool chose Iraola over Alonso, it is very worrying for Liverpool," Carragher explained.

"If it is because Alonso wants to play a back three, or his style of play, fair enough. But I am not sure Liverpool has the players to play Iraola's high-pressing game."

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