Tommy Elphick Set to Follow Andoni Iraola to Liverpool as Assistant Coach

Tommy Elphick is set to join Andoni Iraola at Liverpool as assistant coach should the Bournemouth manager secure the Anfield position. Iraola has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Arne Slot as Liverpool boss, and reports indicate he intends to bring the 38-year-old Cherries assistant with him to Merseyside.

Elphick's Role at Bournemouth

Elphick currently serves as assistant at Bournemouth, where he has worked alongside Iraola and earned considerable respect within the club's coaching structure. The former player has proven instrumental in the club's recent success, with Bournemouth preparing to compete in European football for the first time in their history. Despite Bournemouth's reluctance to lose him, the club had already begun contingency planning by identifying Elphick and fellow assistant Shaun Cooper as key figures in incoming manager Marco Rose's backroom team.

Managerial Ambitions

Iraola has previously expressed confidence that Elphick possesses the capability to transition into a managerial role in his own right. The 38-year-old declined an opportunity to become Bristol City manager earlier this season after reaching the final stages of their selection process, with Michael Skubala ultimately taking that position. His decision to remain at Bournemouth underscores the strength of his working relationship with Iraola and suggests his willingness to move could depend on the right opportunity at a club of Liverpool's stature.

Liverpool Managerial Transition

Arne Slot's departure from Liverpool has opened the door for Iraola's appointment, with the Spanish coach representing a strong candidate to lead the club's technical and tactical direction. Should Iraola succeed in landing the Liverpool job, bringing Elphick would allow him to maintain continuity with a trusted coaching partner who understands his methods and philosophy.