Liverpool had agreed to add to Arne Slot’s coaching staff before appearing to make a U-turn and instead sack the Dutchman. Even in the hours before Slot’s dismissal at Anfield, the manager believes that Etienne Reijnen was joining from Feyenoord.
The Reds announced the exit of Slot on Saturday afternoon, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola favourite to take over. The Spaniard announced earlier this season that he was leaving the Cherries this summer.
The decision seems like a dramatic change of mind from just a few days ago. Liverpool appeared to be closing in on the appointment of Reijnen, who worked with Slot at Feyenoord.
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He left his role with the Dutch Club earlier this month and reportedly told those close to him that he was preparing to move to a Premier League side. Liverpool reignited their interest after the coach had failed to secure a work permit when Slot first arrived at the club in 2024.
The Telegraph reports that Reijnen had said his goodbyes to people in Rotterdam and was set to move to Anfield. It’s added that there was no indication on the plan changing as late as 5.30pm on Friday evening.
The sacking of Slot means that the move now could be put on the back burner, with the new manager, if that is Iraola, or anyone else, likely to want to bring his own coaching staff with him.
For Iraola, that could include Tommy Elphick. The Bournemouth assistant manager turned down the opportunity to become Bristol City manager this week, and is said to be carefully considering his next move.
View 2 ImagesAndoni Iraola is the favourite to take over at Liverpool following the sacking of Arne Slot. (Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Bournemouth are keen to keep the coach to work under new boss Marco Rose, but The Telegraph reports that Iraola would want to bring him to Anfield if he is appointed as Liverpool boss.
Speaking about the possible appointment of Iraola on TNT Sports, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard said: “I think he’s done a fabulous job at Bournemouth. I think his style would suit Liverpool. But let’s not beat around the bush.
“Liverpool Football Club is an attractive job for a lot of elite managers around the world.
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“So I don’t think he’ll be the only name on the table. But because of the link to Bournemouth and the guys that have come from Bournemouth to Liverpool in terms of board level, they will know him very well.”
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