Andoni Iraola 'better fit than Xabi Alonso' as Liverpool told to prepare for 'clean slate'

Liverpool have been told they would be gaining a better Premier League boss than Xabi Alonso with the appointment of Andoni Iraola as replacement to the sacked Arne Slot. And the expected arrival of the former Bournemouth boss forms part of a "clean slate" it is claimed the Reds have needed after a difficult campaign. Formal talks have already started with Iraola and his representatives regards taking over in the Anfield dugout with the Spaniard having been the club's preferred candidate to succeed Slot. Iraola spent three seasons in charge at Bournemouth after previous jobs in Cyprus and Spain, and this season led the Cherries to the first European qualification in their history having announced he would leave at the end of the campaign.

And former Norwich City midfielder Andy Townsend, now a long-time media pundit, is convinced Iraola represents a better option for Liverpool than former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, who was linked with a return to Anfield before agreeing to become manager of Chelsea last month. "Andoni Iraola seems to be the sort of coach that can find these players that are out there, recruit them and get them up to speed pretty quickly, which he's done this season at Bournemouth," said Townsend. "The left-back (Adrien) Truffert and Junior Kroupi and all those boys have been absolutely outstanding. He's a better fit for Liverpool than Xabi Alonso, even though Xabi Alonso has a great history with the club.

"Iraola, he's going be an outstanding coach. Unbeaten for half the season is staggering, isn't it? "Personally, I think out of the two, Andoni Iraola has the slight advantage over him because of his Premier League experience. Andoni Iraola is a very good appointment." Townsend added: "Bournemouth have been magnificent to watch.

I can't remember too many of the signings that have come to Bournemouth and have really failed, the way they play is terrific, exciting, back-to-front football. "They rely on great technical ability, good understanding and a good spirit." Liverpool are undergoing a summer of change with Mohamed Salah , Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all leaving on free transfers and question marks over a number of other squad regulars. And speaking to OLBG, Townsend added: "For Liverpool, the slate has been wiped clean a little bit, not only with the manager going but also with Mo Salah going. "Andy Robertson has moved on as well, but I think there's an opportunity now for a new coach at Liverpool to make their mark.

Ibrahima Konate’s gone, and they've got Virgil van Dijk, who is 34. You can't have too many players at that age in the team, though you can certainly have one. "It feels right now for them to get the right balance at the back with something else. They need to find that other younger forward player to replace Salah.

The Jeremie Frimpong move didn't really work, and Alexis Mac Allister looked pedestrian by his standards this season. "Ryan Gravenberch was also nowhere near the levels he was at last year, losing Hugo Ekitike was also a blow. There is a lot to think about, but Iraola is the right man." FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page