Liverpool’s managerial search: Why one legend isn’t sold on the top choice

The sudden exit of Liverpool’s manager left fans buzzing about who might take over next. Reports quickly pointed to Andoni Iraola as the favorite, thanks partly to his strong bond with the club’s sporting director. But one of Liverpool’s most celebrated players isn’t fully convinced. Steven Gerrard, a Champions League winner with the club, admitted Iraola has done well at Bournemouth and could fit Liverpool’s style. Yet he urged caution—not because of Iraola’s abilities, but because top jobs like Liverpool’s attract many top managers. "He should be in the conversation, " Gerrard said, but not the only one. Former teammate Jamie Carragher went further, questioning whether Iraola’s high-energy approach would work in the relentless Premier League. His biggest doubt? Can a team play intense football every three to four days? Carragher wondered if Iraola—or any manager—could truly deliver a title after winning one isn’t guaranteed.Gerrard also reflected on the sacked manager’s time. He praised Arne Slot for winning the league in his first season but admitted the team’s decline in recent months couldn’t be ignored. "It’s probably the right time, " Gerrard concluded after seeing Liverpool struggle late in the campaign. Carragher split his view. While Slot didn’t fix last season’s problems, he wasn’t the only one to blame. Poor recruitment left the squad unbalanced, and even star players underperformed. The issues ran deeper than one manager’s tactics. Now, Liverpool must decide: hire a familiar name, take a risk, or keep searching. One thing’s clear—no perfect candidate exists.