Iraola's countdown to coaching Liverpool begins, with an incomplete squad being the biggest challenge.

Written by Han Bing. On June 2, the famous transfer expert Romano, who accurately predicted Slot's exit last Saturday, once again made a heavyweight prediction: Liverpool and Iraola have agreed in principle, with only contract duration and salary left to negotiate. The Basque coach will soon be the new Liverpool boss. British media also reported formal talks between Liverpool and Iraola. The Athletic's reporter Ornstein stated that both sides have reached a verbal agreement, expected to be a two-year contract. Liverpool hopes to have Iraola make a public appearance this weekend, meaning his appointment is imminent.

He had announced his departure from Bournemouth before the season ended. Last week, AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and Crystal Palace were the first to pursue Iraola. La Gazzetta dello Sport once believed Iraola was very close to the Rossoneri, but after Slot's official dismissal, Iraola decisively rejected all three clubs, waiting only for an invitation from Liverpool. At that time, British media and Romano were convinced that Liverpool would start negotiations with Iraola this week, but in fact, the talks were merely a routine procedure. The sporting director Richard Hughes, who led the negotiations, is an old acquaintance of Iraola; it was Hughes who brought Iraola to the Premier League and found success with Bournemouth.

British media believe Iraola will go on vacation after signing, and begin preparations by gathering players in early July. Given that it will be during the World Cup, he will likely only be able to train with some first-team players and a large number of youth academy prospects. Liverpool's pre-season tour this summer is in the United States, with opponents including Sunderland (July 25), Wrexham (July 30), and Leeds United (August 2).

Liverpool chose Iraola not only because the Basque coach's high-pressing tactics at Bournemouth were successful and he is familiar with the Premier League, but more importantly due to his excellent management skills. He has been able to keep the team's performance improving steadily despite losing key players every transfer window, without being affected at all. Tactically, Liverpool needs a complete overhaul to catch up with the high-pressing trend, and Iraola is especially good at nurturing young players and unlocking potential. For Liverpool, which is unlikely to invest heavily in signings this summer, he is the best candidate to simultaneously satisfy style and dressing room culture changes.

Liverpool needs to become title contenders again through high pressing. During Iraola's tenure at Bournemouth, the team created the most shots in the Premier League after winning the ball back in the final third. In the just-concluded season, Bournemouth ranked 5th in the Premier League for limiting opponents' shots through pressing. Iraola's tactical style is very similar to Arteta and Alonso; all three young managers are Basque, and even started their football careers at the same childhood club. The unique team spirit of Basque football culture, along with a strong emphasis on developing young players, are exactly what Liverpool currently lacks.

Iraola, who is hands-on in training, is a "management master" for rebuilding the dressing room order at Liverpool. He is always happy and relaxed on the training ground, engaging in deep conversations with everyone, but his high demands for training effectiveness never change. Bournemouth players enjoyed the "family atmosphere" he created. Unlike Slot, who left his family in the Netherlands, Iraola will surely bring his whole family to live in Liverpool, which gives a strong psychological sense of belonging to both players and fans. Moreover, he has rich experience dealing with referees and the media, which can greatly help boost team morale and reduce external psychological influences—qualities that his predecessor Slot also lacked.

The main obstacles for Iraola coaching Liverpool, besides his lack of experience managing a top club, lie in the incomplete squad. Salah, Konaté, and Robertson are confirmed to leave, while Alisson, Chiesa, Jones, and Joe Gomez are also likely to depart. British media believe that for Liverpool to play the high-pressing football Iraola wants, they need to sign at least seven new players.

But looking at Richard Hughes' performance in the transfer market over the past two seasons, Liverpool fans can hardly have any illusions about him. The defensive bench depth is severely lacking, and there are not many midfielders capable of executing high-pressing tactics, with Mac Allister and Wirtz not being highly rated. ESPN revealed that Iraola has been informed of Liverpool's summer transfer targets, including Diomandé (RB Leipzig), Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Bowen (West Ham United), and Wharton (Crystal Palace). However, how many of them will actually join remains unknown.

What's more, his start at Liverpool will be during a World Cup year when pre-season preparations can hardly proceed normally. This requires Iraola to demonstrate his exceptional tactical, dressing room management, and crisis response abilities.