Liverpool are set to see two more coaches leave Anfield in the coming weeks following the sacking of Arne Slot, as reports suggest an internal disagreement between Richard Hughes and FSG over the appointment of Andoni Iraola
A massive summer of transformation is in progress at Liverpool. Following the dismissal of Arne Slot, the Reds are reportedly considering additional changes to both the coaching staff and player roster. Liverpool are anticipated to be assertive in the forthcoming transfer window. However, they’ll require even more reinforcements than initially expected as Ibrahima Konate’s move to Real Madrid appears increasingly likely.
Slot’s departure has also led to the Reds being associated with a number of potential replacements, and it seems Andoni Iralola could be the one to take over. However, rumours suggest that the Spaniard’s appointment has caused some discord within Anfield. In other recent news, two more individuals are set to leave L4.
Liverpool assistant coaches Sipke Hulshoff and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are reportedly set to follow Slot out of the exit door. Former Arsenal star Van Bronckhorst joined the club in June 2025, while Hulshoff arrived with Slot the previous summer, reports the Mirror.
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Their anticipated exit follows a statement from Liverpool performance coach Ruben Peeters confirming his departure from the club. He had been at Anfield since 2024.
“After two unforgettable seasons at Liverpool FC, it is time to say goodbye,” Peeters wrote. “Winning the Premier League together will always be a special memory and the ultimate highlight of this incredible journey.
“But above all, I’m grateful for two years of going to work every day with such enthusiasm, surrounded by amazing colleagues and great people. Thank you to everyone at Liverpool FC for the trust, support and unforgettable moments.”
Iraola is reportedly keen to bring his Bournemouth assistant, Tommy Elphick, along with him to Liverpool, as well as Pablo de la Torre, Shaun Cooper and Tom Webber. Elphick declined an offer to take over at Bristol City last week, sparking speculation he’ll be joining the Reds this summer.
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are said to have clashed over the impending appointment of Iraola.
It’s understood that Liverpool and the former Athletic Club defender have reached a deal that will see the Basque coach given a two-year contract.
However, ex-Everton CEO Keith Wyness suggests there’s been internal discord over the recruitment of Iraola. Wyness told Football Insider: “They decided late in the season on the Slot issue that they were going to have to make a move; they’re now finding themselves picking Iraola because he’s available. Is that really the right way to have gone and picked a manager?
“It could have been a bit of undue haste that they may wish to repent on later on. I’m not entirely convinced that Iraola is the one that they’ve been hunting all season. I think that would have been much clearer, and it would have been labelled earlier.
“There are some question marks, I think internally. I think there’s been a little bit of disagreement between Richard Hughes and the others at the top of Liverpool and as to how they’re going to approach it.
“Iraola is available, and it’s been done quickly, but as I say that brings up a question mark in my mind as to whether he really was the one that they really wanted.”
However, the bold decision to part ways with Slot seemed to have been unanimously agreed upon. The Athletic reported that “the decision was taken by Hughes and (Michael) Edwards” with the understanding of the FSG board. This group includes principal owner John W. Henry, chairman Tom Werner and FSG president Mike Gordon.
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