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The popular belief that Liverpool failed to sign Xabi Alonso simply because they delayed in parting ways with Arne Slot may not tell the full story. Football analyst Kevin Hatchard has challenged that assumption, suggesting that Alonso might not have been the ideal stylistic match for Liverpool’s next phase.

While Alonso is undoubtedly a brilliant tactician and a revered figure at Anfield, Hatchard argues that his approach does not fully align with the aggressive, high-tempo, all-action football that many associate with Liverpool’s identity.

Following Slot’s departure, Liverpool are once again in the market for a new head coach. Slot’s exit comes after a challenging second season, even though he guided the club to their 20th league title in his debut campaign.

At present, Andoni Iraola has emerged as the frontrunner to take charge at Anfield.

This is where the discussion around Iraola becomes particularly relevant. Many Liverpool supporters have expressed a desire to see their team rediscover the energy and intensity that characterised the Jurgen Klopp era.

Klopp’s signature “vollgas” football was emotionally charged, direct, and physically demanding. According to Hatchard, Iraola’s tactical approach is far more in line with that philosophy than Alonso’s.

Alonso’s teams are known for their intelligence, structure, and tactical precision — qualities that make him highly respected in coaching circles.

However, if Liverpool’s objective is to revive their pressing game, embrace chaos, speed, and relentless forward momentum, then Iraola appears to be a more suitable choice.

There’s also the matter of timing. The theory that Liverpool “missed out” on Alonso because they acted too slowly doesn’t quite hold up to scrutiny.

Journalist Oliver Kay has reported that as early as March, it was made clear that even if Liverpool were to seek a new manager, Alonso would not be their first choice.

He further noted that Liverpool had the opportunity to approach Alonso before he accepted the Chelsea job, had they genuinely wanted to do so.

This suggests that the club’s decision-making process was more deliberate and strategic rather than reactive or desperate.

Iraola, who has prior Premier League experience and recently departed Bournemouth after an impressive tenure, already shares a strong working relationship with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes from their previous collaboration on the south coast.

Sky Sports has also identified Iraola as the leading contender and an exciting managerial option, though not without some risk attached.

Choosing Iraola over Alonso would not represent a failure for Liverpool. Rather, it would reflect a calculated decision to prioritise tactical compatibility and club philosophy over sentimentality.

While appointing Alonso would have made for a compelling narrative, not every romantic story aligns with sound footballing logic.

Liverpool’s priority now is to appoint a coach who embodies the identity they aim to rebuild. If that means selecting Iraola because his football mirrors the intensity and spirit of Klopp’s era, then it appears a logical and forward-looking move.