Liverpool decided to move on to Andoni Iraola, one of the Premier League's most appreciated and innovative coaches, to open a new cycle at Anfield. The Spaniard succeeds Arne Slot after a remarkable job at Bournemouth, which took him to European competitions — and even reached the Champions League — thanks to an extraordinary journey.
The Reds' choice appears in line with what was sought at Anfield: maintaining the status achieved in recent years without distorting the team's DNA. Iraola offers precisely that — tactical modernity, the ability to promote young players and an offensive mentality that fits in with the club's tradition. His aggressive, vertical and intense style, based on pressing and high pace, refers to the matrix left by Jürgen Klopp. Furthermore, the Basque showed he knows how to work with reduced budgets, increase individual performance and build highly competitive groups.
The decision has repercussions in Italy. Milan have observed Iraola in recent weeks and have placed him among the strong candidates to open a new cycle at Milanello. However, there was never a decisive breakthrough, also because the coach's desire was to go to the Liverpool bench. Thus, the feeling of a lost opportunity remains at San Siro, especially because its profile brought together several of the characteristics desired by the Rossoneri: modern ideas, valuing young people, economic sustainability and the creation of a strong identity. While a new era begins at Anfield, Milan continues to wait for a clear direction for the future.