Exclusive: Michael Owen believes that Andoni Iraola’s style of football is one to adore, though it may take time to adapt. Especially for a player like Alexander Isak, who will look to get back to his best in his second season at Liverpool.
There is no doubt that this summer has been full of twists and turns at Liverpool, and that is set to continue. With Arne Slot now sacked as the Reds’ head coach, the door has opened for former Bournemouth boss, Andoni Iraola. It came as a shock when the news was delivered regarding the Dutch head coach. With some arguing, circumstances often went against Slot.
As the season continued, frustrations began to build, which was on for everyone to see at Anfield. Booes were heard when they drew at home with a struggling Tottenham side in March. For the remainder of the campaign, it didn’t become an uncommon sight. One of the key turnpoints came following their defeat to Aston Villa in their final away match of the season.
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Owen felt the writing was on the wall by the final match of the season, despite a fantastic start. He said, “Towards the end of the season, you could feel the fans’ unrest, and I was initially believing that Liverpool would give Slot more time and he would be in charge next season.
“Once the season was ending, if you asked fans at the matches, then there was a real feeling that they didn’t believe Slot was the right man to take the club football.
“I thought Slot did excellently in his first season, winning the Premier League is no mean feat … but it just didn’t progress the way anyone wanted.”
Iraola’s Liverpool lessons
One of the telling signs regarding Slot’s future was the rising tensions with key players. One that boiled over in front of the public was his relationship with Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian King took action twice against Slot last season, including a social media statement condemning his approach. Iraola has a similar trajectory to the Dutchman, from going to Bournemouth to one of the biggest positions in the world.
Owen feels that if he is to succeed on Merseyside, he can’t afford for relationships to deteriorate. “This is fundamental and crucial. I am sure he will. He has done very well at Bournemouth; his tactical ability is obviously evident by the results he achieved.”
One big blow for the Spaniard is the changing culture that is shaping the club currently. The departure of Salah and Andy Robertson leaves the core of their group exposed. The pair have been key to Liverpool being triumphant over the past nine years, with high standards. The English striker claims they must work to build that leadership side of the squad.
“I am sure and hope he will look to have his leadership group.
“I would say Liverpool do need to add more leaders to their squad, as with Robertson, Trent and Salah now departed, they should look at more experienced players.”
Liverpool system change
One of the major criticisms of Slot was his style of play, which a lot of Kopites considered boring. Now under their new boss, the scrutiny he may face is for a lack of defensive solidity. For some players, this will be a massive change, similar to switching from Jurgen Klopp to Slot.
Fortunately, Liverpool fans were able to see the immediate upside with a Premier League title. While this has upsides, Owen admits it may not be as smooth of a transition as the 2024/25 campaign was.
“This can excite the fans indeed, and yes, the players and squad may well be excited for this. But there are some different players who will need to adopt this, and also if Iraola brings in his own players.
“He only really had the League games, and now it’s a lot more with Champions League football, so you may have to adapt, otherwise face fatigue with adopting such a high press strategy every game.”
One figure a lot are waiting eagerly to see under the new boss is Alexander Isak. The Spaniard was the mastermind behind Dominic Solanke’s and Evanilson’s success at the Cherries. Owen said that while there is a prospect of success, we must allow him and his teammate, Hugo Ekitike time to settle under a new head coach.
“The excitement of them playing together in a new style is something to look forward to. From knowing injuries myself, it can take time to recover and get back to at least the best version of yourself. So I wouldn’t put pressure on either of them.”
Success on the horizon?
With the squad that Slot had at his picking, finishing in fifth place was shocking all things considered. Without the change to the Champions League system, Liverpool would be playing Europa League football next season. Despite league success in 2025, they have been away from Europe’s elite table for far too long.
The 2019 European Cup is becoming a fading memory, and they also reached two more finals under Klopp. However, since 2022, it has become an unfamiliar sight to even see the Reds reach the semi-finals. Anfield has no longer been the European fortress it has been in the past few years, with a need for it to be reawakened. European gold is the major silverware the Kopites call out for, and there is optimism that can be achieved with Iraola.
There is also anger following a failed title defence, which saw Arsenal easily take the crown from Liverpool’s head. While the Gunners claimed the league, it was far from a title that the Reds shouldn’t have been involved in. Owen believes it won’t be easy, but they have the quality to push forward.
“With the World Cup as well and players coming back late, it’s going to be an interesting season ahead. But Iraola is a good coach, and Champions League football will always be a target, and to bring more silverware to the club. It would be great to challenge for the title. We will need everyone fully fit for the season and new signings to gel quickly.”
A few weeks back, the hope for a rebound next season was gone under Slot. Now a new light shines down on Anfield in the wake of a new season. It’s up to Iraola, his staff and the players to put things right.
