*Update*: Iraola between Liverpool and Leverkusen — Diomandé discussed as Salah replacement

The managerial search at FC Liverpool is becoming more complicated. Andoni Iraola, who continues to be regarded as the favourite to succeed Arne Slot, is also high on the list at Bayer Leverkusen according to Aachener Zeitung – the Bundesliga club is itself searching for a new coach. This means two top clubs are competing for the same candidate, which weakens Liverpool's negotiating position.

The situation becomes even more unclear through Oliver Glasner: TZ reports that the Austrian is intensively preparing for a meeting with AC Milan boss Cardinale and thus also risks dropping out of the running for the Leverkusen job – which in turn forces Leverkusen to court Iraola even more determinedly. For Liverpool, this means: the longer the search takes, the more bidders appear.

Transfers and tactical reorientation

In parallel, transfer planning is underway. Sky Sports discusses whether Yan Diomandé or Bradley Barcola could come into question as Salah replacements. Diomandé, rated by experts as one of Europe's best young wingers, is said to have already made a decision about his future according to mirror.co.uk – at a reported market value of around 100 million euros, the Ivorian is not a cheap option. Liverpool is competing with other interested parties.

The New York Times analyzes how Slot's surprising departure is throwing the Reds' entire summer strategy into disarray: many transfers were tailored to his tactical ideas – a new manager could set different priorities and reassess already ongoing discussions.

On the sidelines of the managerial search, former professional Michael Owen caused an unusual scene: according to Liverpool Echo, he responded evasively in a Sky Sports interview when asked about Liverpool's next manager and took jabs at the interviewing reporter – a moment that reflects the general nervousness around Anfield.