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Liverpool have appointed a new manager. Just over a year after Arne Slot guided the Reds to their record-equalling 20th English league title, the Dutchman is set to be replaced in the dugout by Andoni Iraola. The managerial switch has already brought renewed optimism at Anfield following a disastrous Premier League title defence that included 12 defeats. Liverpool also endured humiliation in other competitions — being knocked out at home by Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup fourth round, thrashed by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, and comfortably beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Slot cannot be held solely accountable for Liverpool’s alarming decline, and he might have been spared dismissal if his side had played with greater intensity. However, the Reds looked both physically and mentally drained for much of the campaign, leaving fans frustrated at their team’s inability to score freely or maintain defensive solidity.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has now tasked Iraola with repairing a broken team — just as he did when he appointed him at Bournemouth in 2023. The Basque coach worked wonders at the Vitality Stadium despite a limited budget, guiding the Cherries to a remarkable sixth-place finish in last season’s Premier League despite losing most of his defence the previous summer. His commitment to attacking, front-foot football is the main reason Hughes and his team believe Iraola is the ideal choice to rejuvenate Liverpool.

But the road ahead is far from easy. As the Spaniard begins his new role, he faces a long list of problems to solve before the new season kicks off in August. Here are the most urgent issues on Iraola’s agenda:

Getting Isak back in form

Normally, a manager dreads losing a key player to an international tournament, but Slot had argued before his dismissal that Alexander Isak’s involvement in the World Cup could actually benefit Liverpool.

The Sweden striker was hardly at risk of fatigue, having started only 13 matches in his injury-hit debut season on Merseyside. Slot believed it would be “very helpful” for Isak to get “a lot of games” at the World Cup to regain rhythm and confidence.

Of course, there is always the danger of another injury, but more than anyone else in the squad, Isak needs consistent minutes. It would be a huge bonus for Iraola if the club’s record signing returned from the tournament unscathed and rejuvenated after scoring goals and building momentum. Encouragingly, Isak scored a stunning goal off the bench in Sweden’s friendly against Norway on Monday.

Iraola, having managed Bournemouth during Isak’s time at Newcastle, knows the version of the striker Liverpool need. Another four-goal season would be unacceptable for a £125 million player. While Iraola will want him involved in pre-season to instil his pressing philosophy, the World Cup could be exactly what Isak needs to rediscover his best form.

Iraola previously helped Eli Junior Kroupi flourish at Bournemouth — and fans will be eager to see what he can achieve with a fully fit Isak at Anfield.

Unlocking Wirtz’s potential

Isak’s revival could be heavily influenced by how well Iraola manages to harness Florian Wirtz’s immense talent.

Midway through the 2025–26 season, Liverpool seemed briefly on the verge of clicking into gear when Isak converted a precise Wirtz pass in a 2-1 victory over Tottenham on December 20 — offering fans a tantalising glimpse of what might come. However, that optimism quickly faded as Isak suffered a broken leg moments later after a tackle from Micky van de Ven, sidelining him for four months.

Wirtz continued to show flashes of brilliance, particularly when linking up with Hugo Ekitike before the Frenchman’s season-ending injury. Yet, despite moments of inspiration, Wirtz often faded in big matches, leaving supporters questioning his consistency.

Under Iraola, Wirtz could thrive in the No.10 role of a 4-2-3-1 setup. The £100 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen will be expected to step up and adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, silencing suggestions that Dominik Szoboszlai might be a better fit ahead of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

Sorting out the midfield is crucial. Last season, Liverpool were frequently overrun — Gravenberch offered attacking drive but little defensive protection, while Mac Allister looked fatigued. Iraola may push the club to sign a specialist No.6 to restore balance and allow Wirtz to focus on creativity.

Finding Salah’s successor

Wirtz will also need quality options in attack, especially on the right flank, where Mohamed Salah’s departure has left a major void.

Despite speculation of a sensational return after Slot’s exit, Salah is not coming back, and Liverpool must now find a worthy heir to their all-time Premier League top scorer for goals and assists.

The club missed a trick by not signing Antoine Semenyo last summer, allowing him to join Manchester City for just £64 million in January. Now, they’ll likely have to spend much more to secure top target Yan Diomande.

That said, Iraola’s track record with wingers like Semenyo and Rayan at Bournemouth suggests he can elevate whichever wide player Liverpool bring in to replace Salah.

Helping Jacquet settle quickly

Whether Liverpool were right to let Ibrahima Konaté leave over wage issues remains to be seen, but the team certainly looks short on experienced centre-backs. Captain Virgil van Dijk may have one solid season left, but Joe Gomez’s ongoing fitness problems make him unreliable.

With teenager Giovanni Leoni still recovering from an ACL injury, new signing Jeremy Jacquet must adapt fast. The 20-year-old endured his own injury woes last season, dislocating his shoulder in Rennes’ Ligue 1 clash with Lens on February 7 — just a week after completing his £60 million transfer to Liverpool.

Fortunately, Jacquet has reportedly recovered fully and should be ready for pre-season — vital news for Iraola, who will need the young defender to justify the club’s investment and fill the void at the back. Iraola’s success in quickly developing Dean Huijsen at Bournemouth — a player Liverpool later tried to sign before his €59.5 million (£50 million) move to Real Madrid — offers encouragement.

Convincing Alisson to stay

With Alisson Becker’s injury record worsening, Liverpool had planned for succession last summer by sealing a deal with Valencia for Giorgi Mamardashvili to join a year later. This led them to sell backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford for £12.5 million.

However, both decisions now seem misguided. Kelleher played a key role in Brentford’s surprise ninth-place finish under Keith Andrews, while Mamardashvili looked uncomfortable and hesitant in his first 20 appearances for Liverpool, especially when playing out from the back.

Given these struggles, it’s no shock that Liverpool are reluctant to sanction Alisson’s move to Juventus. Although the Brazilian remains keen, Iraola must persuade him to stay at Anfield for at least one more year. While Alisson may no longer manage 50 matches per season, Liverpool clearly need more time to identify a reliable long-term replacement.

Resolving the right-back dilemma

Jeremie Frimpong’s omission from the Netherlands’ World Cup squad was surprising given his reputation a year ago. Yet, his poor debut season at Liverpool explains Ronald Koeman’s decision. Frimpong started only 23 matches in all competitions, contributing just two goals and two assists — a stark contrast to his attacking productivity at Bayer Leverkusen.

The main concern is his defensive ability. While he boasts blistering pace, his positioning and decision-making often let him down. With Conor Bradley also struggling with recurring injuries, Iraola faces a major call at right-back.

If neither Frimpong nor Bradley can be relied upon, Liverpool must sign a new full-back this summer to finally address the long-standing gap left by Trent Alexander-Arnold.