Iraola's Liverpool rebuild hinges on trusted Bournemouth duo

Andoni Iraola is on the verge of securing Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper from Bournemouth to join his Liverpool coaching staff, with contracts set to be terminated ahead of signatures this weekend. The move comes as Liverpool, after a season that ended fifth despite spending over £400 million on new players, seeks fresh ideas.

Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper have agreed to terminate their Bournemouth contracts, clearing the path for new agreements with Liverpool. Their appointments are expected to be finalized before the weekend concludes.

Elphick, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, rejected an approach from Bristol City to become their head coach this summer. This decision underscores a personal attraction to Merseyside beyond mere career progression.

Both coaches were integral to Bournemouth’s rise under Iraola, culminating in the club’s first-ever qualification for European competition. Their familiarity with Iraola’s methods is seen as a key factor in translating that success to Anfield.

Liverpool concluded the campaign in fifth place after beginning as champions, having invested more than £400 million in new signings. The club now faces pressure to convert that expenditure into tangible results.

Iraola also reunites with Milos Kerkez, a player Liverpool signed twelve months ago, to aid the transition. Kerkez’s familiarity with Iraola’s philosophy is expected to smooth the integration of the new coaching staff.