"They need to go back to front foot, quick, chaotic style of football and he can bring that."
Andoni Iraola is reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with Liverpool and Jermaine Pennant is sure, at least from a stylistic perspective, that he is exactly what the Reds need if they are to get back on track next season.
Speaking exclusively to bet365 at the talkSPORT Padel World Cup, Pennant also outlined the reasons why he thinks that Xabi Alonso wouldn't have necessarily suited the Anfield top job.
Now Chelsea head coach, former Liverpool midfielder Alonso was touted as a potential replacement for Arne Slot all the way back in January when he was given his marching orders by the Real Madrid hierarchy following a difficult opening half of the campaign.
Pennant, however, believes that Liverpool may have made the correct decision in not hiring the Bundesliga-winning coach.
“I understand with why Liverpool didn’t go for [Xabi] Alonso because of his style of play and formation tweaks that would have needed a lot of work when Liverpool are in a place where they haven’t got time," explained Pennant.
“They need to go and hit the ground running next season, so I can understand why they opted out. The thought of having Alonso was nice but when you really peel away the layers, I’m not sure his style of play and formation work.”
Instead, it looks like it will be a different Spaniard patrolling the Liverpool technical area this season in Iraola.
Reports suggest that the 43-year-old is close to agreeing a two-year contract with the Merseyside outfit, thus bringing to an end his impressive tenure at Bournemouth.
The Cherries finished 10th and 12th during Iraola's first two years in charge, but it was last season where he really made his mark on the Dorset coast. The Basque tactician fired Bournemouth to sixth in the Premier League, finishing the season 18 matches unbeaten and securing Europa League football.
His direct and unique style of play clearly troubled opposition sides and Pennant believes that this will suit Liverpool down to the ground.
“The great thing about Iraola is his style of play. It’s pressing from the front, it’s aggressive and he goes toe-to-toe with everyone. Games against the big teams, like Arsenal and Manchester United, have all been tight games, even with Bournemouth coming out and winning at times," continued Pennant.
“This is what Liverpool need. They need to be on the front foot. They need to go back to front foot, quick, chaotic style of football and he can bring that.
“Can he deliver when teams play that low-block? We’ll see. But, his style can work for Liverpool.”
