⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Oluwa-btc]

What do you think about Liverpool next season? You know they have changed their manager much earlier than normal. They wouldn't sack their manager this quick actually. 

I say that they will have to be patient for at least a couple of years to start becoming champions again. I don't think Iraola will start winning league titles right away after he comes. This is the first time for him to manage a big team like this.

The style of play I read was their major concern and Andoni Iraola was the perfect fit considering that they have done their assignments on him a long time ago.
I don't think so too, but their game will improve and it will be more likely to be the way they did under Jurgen Klopp. They will need to get players signed too, in defence and also a new defensive midfielder.
I do not write off managers like him, look at what Vincent Kompany is doing with Bayern Munich, so I'll say we should expect everything.

[len01]

For me it is very wrong that Arsenal played defense against Paris Saint German in the champions league final because it will be difficult to win a champions league final in playing defense against a team that can run your defense down. Mikel Arteta playing defense against Paris Saint German from 7 minutes is where he made a mistake i know Paris Saint German is stronger than Arsenal but Mikel Arteta should have deployed a strategy that allows Arsenal to play defense after they took the lead in the 6 minutes, Mikel Arteta should have deployed a strategy of all defense and all attack, this strategy would have given Arsenal victory against Paris Saint German in the champions league final.

In conclusion, everything Arteta did in the UCL that time was extraordinary. We can't demand that Arteta employ both defensive and offensive strategies at specific times. This is the first time in Arteta's history that he has led Arsenal to a UCL final. So, I think it's understandable that he tried to use a defensive strategy at the wrong time.

But, the experience in that final provided valuable lessons for Arteta and the squad, helping them develop their mentality and identify the best strategies for the future.

[Son Of Blockchain (SOB)]

What do you think about Liverpool next season? You know they have changed their manager much earlier than normal. They wouldn't sack their manager this quick actually. 

I say that they will have to be patient for at least a couple of years to start becoming champions again. I don't think Iraola will start winning league titles right away after he comes. This is the first time for him to manage a big team like this.

The style of play I read was their major concern and Andoni Iraola was the perfect fit considering that they have done their assignments on him a long time ago.
I don't think so too, but their game will improve and it will be more likely to be the way they did under Jurgen Klopp. They will need to get players signed too, in defence and also a new defensive midfielder.
I do not write off managers like him, look at what Vincent Kompany is doing with Bayern Munich, so I'll say we should expect everything.
 

Yes they both rely on high pressing structures to suppress opponents i believe that's why Liverpool choose Iraola since his ideology was similar to Klopp's. Why i feel it would work out as planned is because Iraola is used to the EPL and he's someone that's good at building better relationship with his players compared to Arne Slot.
 I'm already hearing a rumor that Salah is willing to come back a stay for one more tenure under Iraola, I don't know how legit the rumour is but I think players would be willing to work with him after seeing how he handled Bournemouth and made them tougher.

[SatoPrincess]

It’s funny that people who do never wanted to give Arsenal any credit for their performance this season are making a fuss about Arsenal losing the UCL final to PSG in PENALTIES. One would think it’s the first time a club has lost penalties in the UCL final or PSG beat Arsenal 4 nil.

I don't know that Arsenal have more haters like what I've seen this time around, why are they even hating them when they know they don't know how to win trophy, for how many long now that Arsenal has been in good performance if not for this season that they have prove everyone wrong.

So many people were very happy after arsenal lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, I thought it will pray a lot of sadness for people since Arsenal have not won it before honestly I was surprised to see that kind of jubilation on the face of majority fans.

To be fair, this season when they won, many teams were happy for them. I get that "normally" teams do hate Arsenal, everyone does. But City built something so much worse that people would prefer to see Arsenal win over City, it's like lesser of two evils.

When Liverpool won last year, instead of Arsenal, that was not the same thing, btu this year it would have been City again, and people hate that oil money ruining football, so they were not mad at Arsenal for winning and they felt fine.

That’s what one would expect considering that Manchester City were on the verge of turning the premier league into a farmers league. But that’s not what we saw this season in real life, online, and on this thread, premier league fans were absolutely fine with Manchester City winning the league. Tell me why I don’t see people saying Arsenal saved premier league football 

[Shussainshah]

Sometimes it's not all about quality of the players but it is how well the coach can bring the best out of them the adaptation time will be very crucial for Liverpool this summer. Liverpool have a talented players so it will be interesting to see how they can respond to the new coach.
The best coach understand their players' strengths and build a system that gets the most out of them. Liverpool clearly have the quality.

Slot come to Liverpool and win the premier league at their first season but last season they spend so much money but can't help them and Liverpool goes to trophyless season . Being a favourite and not win a signal trophy hurt him so much . Now slot is sack off and Iraola came in Hope they can't do the same as Slot did . I think Iraola is more experience then Slot in term of premier league experience they did amazing job at Bournemouth.  And I think They know the players quality and psychology how to handle him and how they give the best performance.  Best of luck to Iraola Hope didn't disappoint Liverpool fan as same Slot Did last season

[Nightwatchmare]

What do you think about Liverpool next season? You know they have changed their manager much earlier than normal. They wouldn't sack their manager this quick actually.  

I say that they will have to be patient for at least a couple of years to start becoming champions again. I don't think Iraola will start winning league titles right away after he comes. This is the first time for him to manage a big team like this.

Andoni Iraola had an excellent season at Bournemouth and he absolutely deserved his appointment at a top club like Liverpool. For me, it's a simple and obvious choice. Iraola has earned the right to work at a top club. But to be honest, I don't have high expectations for his future at Liverpool. We saw how much criticism Slot received during the 25/26 season, so I don't expect things to be fundamentally better under Iraola.

If we are to mention the managers who had an excellent season in the premier league Andoni Iraola's name will be mentioned, his excellent season at Bournemouth was what convinced Liverpool to name him the new manager of Liverpool, and it is a well deserved appointment for him if you ask me. I know the expectations at Liverpool are high compared to Bournemouth, but the the experience Andoni Iraola has in the premier league he will meet up to the expectations at Liverpool, and even if Liverpool does not win the premier league under Andoni Iraola they will be a better team under Andoni Iraola than the way they were under Slot.

[Stormisover]

Now that the nominee for English premier League players player award is out let's see how it goes, this award is not vote by journalist nor fans, it is vote by players, and with my information gathered, the nominated players are not voting, and any player can't vote a player from his team, and they are allowed to vote three three players each, like your first choice of player gets 3 points, then second choice gets 2 points while third choice gets 1 points, and the players nominated for this award are as follow
Bruno Fernandez=> Manchester United
Rayan Cherki=> Manchester City
Declan Rice=> Arsenal
Gabriel=> Arsenal
David Raya=> Arsenal
Erling Haaland=> Manchester City
Now I'm quite certain Manchester City players are not voting for Arsenal players while Arsenal players are not voting for Manchester City players, now if this happens this way then who do you think will win this one also?

[Solodoski]

What do you think about Liverpool next season? You know they have changed their manager much earlier than normal. They wouldn't sack their manager this quick actually. 

I say that they will have to be patient for at least a couple of years to start becoming champions again. I don't think Iraola will start winning league titles right away after he comes. This is the first time for him to manage a big team like this.

The style of play I read was their major concern and Andoni Iraola was the perfect fit considering that they have done their assignments on him a long time ago.
I don't think so too, but their game will improve and it will be more likely to be the way they did under Jurgen Klopp. They will need to get players signed too, in defence and also a new defensive midfielder.
I do not write off managers like him, look at what Vincent Kompany is doing with Bayern Munich, so I'll say we should expect everything.
 

Yes they both rely on high pressing structures to suppress opponents i believe that's why Liverpool choose Iraola since his ideology was similar to Klopp's. Why i feel it would work out as planned is because Iraola is used to the EPL and he's someone that's good at building better relationship with his players compared to Arne Slot.
 I'm already hearing a rumor that Salah is willing to come back a stay for one more tenure under Iraola, I don't know how legit the rumour is but I think players would be willing to work with him after seeing how he handled Bournemouth and made them tougher.

Salah should go please. Under Iraola, the team will be unstoppable. The high pressing and fast patter of play is what Iraola has been using over the years to beat big team with Bournemouth. He is one of those managers in a mid club that punish big teams. Iraola is a great manager and I believe in him as a Liverpool supporter that he is going to do great things with the club.

Well, the news on Salah's return is not clear yet. It is fans pushing the news of his return. Salah has made his documentary on leaving the club. Sure thing is, he is going to leave the club.

[snipie]

Well, the news on Salah's return is not clear yet. It is fans pushing the news of his return. Salah has made his documentary on leaving the club. Sure thing is, he is going to leave the club.

There are scarce news about Liverpool and Mohamed Salah agreements but until now I failed to find anything suggesting that Salah will sign a new contract or extend the current one for a year or more. At the opposite there are talks about Liverpool being told to bring Harry Wilson back to the team to replace Salah. I don't see news about other names yet but I suppose this summer transfer window will be interesting.

[Nightwatchmare]

Now that the nominee for English premier League players player award is out let's see how it goes, this award is not vote by journalist nor fans, it is vote by players, and with my information gathered, the nominated players are not voting, and any player can't vote a player from his team, and they are allowed to vote three three players each, like your first choice of player gets 3 points, then second choice gets 2 points while third choice gets 1 points, and the players nominated for this award are as follow
Bruno Fernandez=> Manchester United
Rayan Cherki=> Manchester City
Declan Rice=> Arsenal
Gabriel=> Arsenal
David Raya=> Arsenal
Erling Haaland=> Manchester City
Now I'm quite certain Manchester City players are not voting for Arsenal players while Arsenal players are not voting for Manchester City players, now if this happens this way then who do you think will win this one also?

It seems you are not current to the things happening in the premier league this season, because it was long gone when Bruno Fernandes, Declan Rice, Rayan Cherki, Gabriel, David Raya, and Erling Haaland was nominated for the premier league best player award. Bruno Fernandes was voted as the premier league best player award this season, he used 28 votes to beat Declan Rice who finished as runner-up. I'm just surprised that you are not aware of this because it even happened before Bruno Fernandes broke the premier league assist record against Brighton.

[Iranus]

Andoni Iraola had an excellent season at Bournemouth and he absolutely deserved his appointment at a top club like Liverpool. For me, it's a simple and obvious choice. Iraola has earned the right to work at a top club. But to be honest, I don't have high expectations for his future at Liverpool. We saw how much criticism Slot received during the 25/26 season, so I don't expect things to be fundamentally better under Iraola.

I thought Liverpool were looking for a more experienced manager. But they appointed Andoni iraola. Anyway, Andoni Iraola is not new to the Premier League. This  will definitely help liverpool. Bournemouth's squad was not very strong. Even then, the team's performance was quite good with the help of  Iraola. Bournemouth was in ninth place in  the table last season and this season they finished the season in sixth place in the table. Hopefully, Iraola will not disappoint liverpool fans.

[9ja Amaka]

What do you think about Liverpool next season? You know they have changed their manager much earlier than normal. They wouldn't sack their manager this quick actually. 

I say that they will have to be patient for at least a couple of years to start becoming champions again. I don't think Iraola will start winning league titles right away after he comes. This is the first time for him to manage a big team like this.

I am definitely expecting them to improve next season, because I think Andoni Iraola style of play fits that of the club,  but I am not expecting them to win the premier league next season,  because this is his first big job and it will definitely come with a lot of pressure compared to his last job at Bournemouth. I really think he is a decent coach and I expect the board to give him time to impact his playing philosophy on the team and hopefully they can we big things together in the future.

[Odohu]

Slot come to Liverpool and win the premier league at their first season but last season they spend so much money but can't help them and Liverpool goes to trophyless season . Being a favourite and not win a signal trophy hurt him so much . Now slot is sack off and Iraola came in Hope they can't do the same as Slot did . I think Iraola is more experience then Slot in term of premier league experience they did amazing job at Bournemouth.  And I think They know the players quality and psychology how to handle him and how they give the best performance.  Best of luck to Iraola Hope didn't disappoint Liverpool fan as same Slot Did last season

Sometimes it is not about successes in other teams, every club have their peculiarity. Use the case of Ruben Amorim who was very successful at Sporting Lisbon, winning 5 major trophies including their apex league. But the same good coach could not pull Manchester United out of depression despite having all the resources and support he needed to deliver. What I'm trying to push forward is that we will know how good Iraola is when he finally start playing competitive matches at Liverpool.

[Princess Leah]

Andoni Iraola had an excellent season at Bournemouth and he absolutely deserved his appointment at a top club like Liverpool. For me, it's a simple and obvious choice. Iraola has earned the right to work at a top club. But to be honest, I don't have high expectations for his future at Liverpool. We saw how much criticism Slot received during the 25/26 season, so I don't expect things to be fundamentally better under Iraola.

I thought Liverpool were looking for a more experienced manager. But they appointed Andoni iraola. Anyway, Andoni Iraola is not new to the Premier League. This  will definitely help liverpool. Bournemouth's squad was not very strong. Even then, the team's performance was quite good with the help of  Iraola. Bournemouth was in ninth place in  the table last season and this season they finished the season in sixth place in the table. Hopefully, Iraola will not disappoint liverpool fans.

He's an experienced manager and more experienced in the Premier League compared to the other options they listed, I feel they're lucky to steal him away from Bournemouth, if they didn't another big club outside the Premier League would've done that, moreover the dynamics of football he'll bring to Liverpool would help them improve.

 He already has good attackers and midfielders so if I were him I'll focus more on strengthening the defense before thinking of other areas, a replacement for Salah should also be considered. If the players won't struggle to adapt to his system his job won't be tough but if otherwise then it could be one of the toughest job he'll handle but I expect positivity in his debut season.

[Rockson1]

I am definitely expecting them to improve next season, because I think Andoni Iraola style of play fits that of the club,  but I am not expecting them to win the premier league next season,  because this is his first big job and it will definitely come with a lot of pressure compared to his last job at Bournemouth. I really think he is a decent coach and I expect the board to give him time to impact his playing philosophy on the team and hopefully they can we big things together in the future.

Everyone will say exactly what you said now but I'm not in a haste say anything concerning there success next season, we should understand that Andoni Iraola is just coming, too much expectations from him may not come as some of us expect it, why don't you expect them to win as you said, so you already know who'll win the English premier League next season, is this not too early, for me, I think the English premier League will be competitive next season, Manchester United is one of the team that I see that'll be very strong next season, I reserve my comment on Liverpool for now until I see what will become of them next season.

[Razmirraz]

Snip.

If we are to mention the managers who had an excellent season in the premier league Andoni Iraola's name will be mentioned, his excellent season at Bournemouth was what convinced Liverpool to name him the new manager of Liverpool, and it is a well deserved appointment for him if you ask me. I know the expectations at Liverpool are high compared to Bournemouth, but the the experience Andoni Iraola has in the premier league he will meet up to the expectations at Liverpool, and even if Liverpool does not win the premier league under Andoni Iraola they will be a better team under Andoni Iraola than the way they were under Slot.

Admittedly, Andoni Iraola's appointment as Arne Slot's successor was based on Bournemouth's impressive performance under his leadership. He succeeded in developing an aggressive playing style and leading the club to European competition. Iraola tight pressing style of play is considered the most suitable continuation of the high-intensity football philosophy that has long been associated with Liverpool's identity.
Reportedly, his arrival at Anfield was inseparable from the role of Liverpool's Sporting Director (Richard Hughes) who previously worked with him at Bournemouth, but he has proven his quality as a reliable coach and has the qualities to handle a team of Liverpool's class. We'll see whether he can lead Bournemouth to consistently compete at the top of the EPL or become a temporary replacement like Xabi Alonso experienced at Real Madrid.

[DanWalker]

Everyone will say exactly what you said now but I'm not in a haste say anything concerning there success next season, we should understand that Andoni Iraola is just coming, too much expectations from him may not come as some of us expect it, why don't you expect them to win as you said, so you already know who'll win the English premier League next season, is this not too early, for me, I think the English premier League will be competitive next season, Manchester United is one of the team that I see that'll be very strong next season, I reserve my comment on Liverpool for now until I see what will become of them next season.

It is true that it is not right to expect too much from Iraola. But if liverpool cannot be in the top 4 of the points table, then I will say that Iraola has failed. Liverpool's squad is  strong. At the same time, Iraola will definitely get big funds to  strengthen the squad. Even then, if liverpool's performance is irregular and weak, then Iraola will definitely be responsible for it. No  one is expecting Iraola to win the premier league title in his first season at Liverpool, but liverpool should be in the top  3 of the table.

[JoyceBTC]

Andoni Iraola had an excellent season at Bournemouth and he absolutely deserved his appointment at a top club like Liverpool. For me, it's a simple and obvious choice. Iraola has earned the right to work at a top club. But to be honest, I don't have high expectations for his future at Liverpool. We saw how much criticism Slot received during the 25/26 season, so I don't expect things to be fundamentally better under Iraola.

I thought Liverpool were looking for a more experienced manager. But they appointed Andoni iraola. Anyway, Andoni Iraola is not new to the Premier League. This  will definitely help liverpool. Bournemouth's squad was not very strong. Even then, the team's performance was quite good with the help of  Iraola. Bournemouth was in ninth place in  the table last season and this season they finished the season in sixth place in the table. Hopefully, Iraola will not disappoint liverpool fans.

Andoni iraola is not going to Liverpool to inherit a team that is totally damaged his experience with Bournemouth is a big advantage for him to perform well with Liverpool with the quality of players in the team. You should not compare the performance of Bournemouth to that of Liverpool, Andoni iraola will have more opportunities with Liverpool and he may do more better than his performance with his former team. Liverpool fans just need to be patience with him he is coming to help the team get better but he can't do that over night.

[Ruttoshi]

In conclusion, everything Arteta did in the UCL that time was extraordinary. We can't demand that Arteta employ both defensive and offensive strategies at specific times. This is the first time in Arteta's history that he has led Arsenal to a UCL final. So, I think it's understandable that he tried to use a defensive strategy at the wrong time.

But, the experience in that final provided valuable lessons for Arteta and the squad, helping them develop their mentality and identify the best strategies for the future.

If you say that Arteta used a defensive strategy at the wrong time, I don't know it that's true or not because his strategy still worked fine for him since PSG didn't win them hands down but in a penalty shootout.

There's no way Arsenal would be able to stop PSG from getting a goal because PSG have a fierce attackers and they're always hungry for goal. In fact, Arsenal tried their best to end the game in a draw in 120 minutes. This is Arteta's best performance so far, since he took over the team as their Coach.

[Velvet78]

I thought Liverpool were looking for a more experienced manager. But they appointed Andoni iraola. Anyway, Andoni Iraola is not new to the Premier League. This  will definitely help liverpool. Bournemouth's squad was not very strong. Even then, the team's performance was quite good with the help of  Iraola. Bournemouth was in ninth place in  the table last season and this season they finished the season in sixth place in the table. Hopefully, Iraola will not disappoint liverpool fans.

I wasn't expecting for a very experienced manager for Liverpool honestly. I was only waiting for Xabi Alonso to be offered the job when Arne Slot is sacked.

But they were late for the sacking and lost Xabi to Chelsea instead... This must have pushed them for Plan B which is Iraola.

Iraola will ask for time from the board. Like I said earlier, I don't expect Liverpool to be incredible suddenly.