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Will Liverpool return to signing smart, affordable players and move away from last season’s star-chasing strategy?

In a recent discussion, I suggested that Andoni Iraola could easily outshine Mikel Arteta in terms of attack and entertainment if given similar resources. It looks like we’re about to see that play out in reality in the Premier League. It’s not a controversial opinion, but it puts me in an interesting position nonetheless.

I have great admiration for Iraola — his humility, warmth, and footballing philosophy. His ability to adapt when players are sold, and his pragmatic approach to contracts, all make him both a likeable and highly capable individual.

He might just be the kind of manager who can make Liverpool Football Club likeable again — something neutrals haven’t felt in years. It’s a bold statement, but Iraola seems immune to the sense of entitlement or conspiracy theories that have affected many of his predecessors. It also helps that Mohamed Salah has moved on, freeing the club from some of the lingering drama.

Mr Iraola, I have faith in you. Don’t let me down. Though, if things do fall apart, that would still be a fascinating outcome. Remember, you’ll never walk alone — until they decide you will. Best of luck, my Basque prince.

My father and I have been lifelong Liverpool fans. Like many others, I didn’t have a choice — my dad made sure of that. He pulled me out of school for big matches, bought me Liverpool gear, and made the club a constant part of our lives. Watching Liverpool together has been one of our most cherished traditions.

We’ve seen highs and lows — from Rafael Benítez to Roy Hodgson, Brendan Rodgers, and of course, Jürgen Klopp. Those ups and downs made being a fan exciting. Arne Slot, however, didn’t evoke the same emotions.

Yes, Slot won a title and secured Champions League qualification in a tough season. But when was the last time his team truly thrilled you? For me, only a handful of matches under him were genuinely enjoyable — against Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen in the group stage, Tottenham (6-3), and Manchester United early last season. The team often played cautiously, as if with “the handbrake on.” It felt dull, lifeless, and uninspiring.

Under Klopp, Liverpool were never boring. Even during difficult stretches, there was an emotional connection between the team and its supporters. Slot’s pragmatic, possession-heavy style worked when results came, but after the Champions League exit to PSG in January 2025, it became painful to watch. The team’s play lost its speed and purpose — they held the ball without intent. Training intensity seemed to drop, and that lack of energy was visible on the pitch.

Slot’s other issues included his handling of young players, tactical missteps, and overly cautious game plans — particularly frustrating against Manchester City. Worst of all, he made watching Liverpool feel like a chore. For the first time, my dad and I found ourselves skipping matches. That simply never happened before.

Even during the toughest times under Klopp, we always watched because we believed in the plan and the passion behind the team. Under Slot, that belief disappeared. I began to feel indifferent, even skipping early morning matches from Canada — something I never imagined doing. The team bored me. And that’s the worst thing that can happen to any fan.

Growing up, my dad used to make me sit through poor performances, insisting on loyalty. But even he gave up under Slot — a man who has loved this club for over 70 years. That’s what the team had become: dull and lifeless.

I wasn’t looking forward to next season. I couldn’t bear another year under Slot. He’s not a bad man, and I wish him success elsewhere, but change was needed. I’m genuinely excited about what’s next.

Earlier this season, I wrote online that I wanted Iraola to replace Slot. Even with Xabi Alonso available, I believed Iraola could reignite my love for watching Liverpool. I don’t expect instant results — the first season might be rough — but if he brings the same spirit he showed at Bournemouth, Liverpool will play fearless football again. They’ll challenge City, Arsenal, and United head-on. No more caution, no more sitting back.

As a fan shaped by the eras of Rodgers and Klopp, I long for that bold, thrilling football. I want Liverpool to be the club that made me leap off the sofa, the club whose results defined my week. Under Slot, they were a shadow of that. I hope Iraola can bring that identity back.

It’s not entirely Slot’s fault that things went wrong, but as the head coach, he took the responsibility. After a dull campaign, he was replaced — a necessary step. Hopefully, when he returns one day, he’s remembered for his achievements and not just his failings. He allowed Salah and Robertson their moments in the spotlight after the final game, which was a gracious gesture.

Slot’s problems started late last season. He focused on conserving energy and using a small core of players, which worked for the league but cost Liverpool in the cup competitions. The team’s inability to press or sustain pressure became their downfall this season, especially against high-energy opponents.

This season also featured strong teams without European commitments, such as Bournemouth, but Liverpool still struggled against smaller squads like Crystal Palace. Whether the recruitment strategy was led by Slot or the Edwards-Hughes partnership remains unclear, but it needs clarification. Fortunately, Slot’s reputation remains intact, with reports linking him to AC Milan. However, his post-match demeanour sometimes came off as smug. He seemed to have a plan for the squad he inherited but struggled to adapt as circumstances changed.

The demand for Alonso was emotional — driven by nostalgia — but his playing style might not have suited Liverpool’s energy or ambition. Iraola, however, fits the profile: he maximises his squad, promotes entertaining football, integrates replacements seamlessly, and develops young players. At Bournemouth, he had time to instil his philosophy, but Liverpool’s schedule will test him, especially with a short pre-season due to the World Cup and a packed match calendar.

His system could be demanding over a 60+ game season, as Klopp’s teams often faded late on. Manchester City’s deep squad allows Pep Guardiola to rotate freely — something Liverpool cannot yet match. However, Iraola’s pressing system spreads the workload and doesn’t rely on individual brilliance. It’s proactive, adaptable, and could unlock the potential of several underused players from Liverpool’s academy.

The key question is which players will flourish under Iraola and how the Edwards-Hughes partnership will adjust their transfer approach. Hughes already knows Iraola’s preferences, which might help Liverpool return to smart, value-driven recruitment instead of chasing expensive stars.

Despite their missteps, Edwards and Hughes deserve credit for acting early. Their decision allows time to reset before the World Cup pause. The hope is that Iraola will restore energy, creativity, and connection to Liverpool — the kind that makes fans fall in love with the club all over again.

Still, there are doubts. Some fans fear Iraola’s appointment could resemble Frank Lampard at Tottenham or Brendan Rodgers’ early days — a risk rather than a sure thing. While his Bournemouth success is impressive, Liverpool is a different stage entirely. Klopp rebuilt the club’s belief and identity. Richard Hughes’s recruitment after Klopp’s departure was questionable, leading to a disappointing season. Appointing Iraola is a bold gamble, and if it fails, Hughes’s position will come under scrutiny. But if Iraola rises to the challenge, Liverpool might rediscover both excitement and likeability.