Andoni Iraola is set to take over at Liverpool while Xabi Alonso takes over at Chelsea – a fascinating reverse of the expected.

Fabrizio Romano has just dropped the news we’ve been half expecting for months: Arne Slot has been sacked as Liverpool manager. It looks like he will be replaced by Andoni Iraola.

Meanwhile former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso has signed up to take over at Chelsea.

It’s bombshell news for Liverpool and the Premier League as a whole, but it also sets up a fascinating dynamic between the two clubs for next season.

Many Liverpool fans wanted Alonso, and were dismayed their club didn’t move to appoint a former player still beloved by the fans. The only explanation seemed to be that Slot was staying.

Meanwhile Iraola was heavy favourite for the Chelsea job for a long time, before Alonso revealed his interest and a deal was done.

It creates a fascinating situation for next season where the two clubs will have the manager the other were very close to having. The rivalry is about to step back up a notch, especially if both teams are competitive.

The average ratings from Chelsea’s season make for interesting reading, with some players higher than you might expect.

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