Sports Analysis
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has expressed confidence that Harvey Elliott can reignite his Anfield career after returning from a frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa.
The 23-year-old midfielder endured a difficult campaign away from Merseyside, with contractual complications severely limiting his opportunities under Unai Emery. However, Iraola believes Elliott has returned determined to prove himself.
Iraola offers Elliott fresh hope
The new Liverpool manager revealed he has been impressed by Elliott’s attitude since reporting for pre-season.
Rather than dwelling on last season’s setbacks, Iraola believes the midfielder is ready to compete for a place in the squad.
“Definitely,” Iraola said when asked whether Elliott still has a future at Liverpool.
“Harvey is here with us. I have seen him with the eagerness to show up, get super ready. He’ll have a chance in pre-season, we’ll need him and it’s a good sign.”
The comments represent a major boost for Elliott, whose long-term future had been questioned following an unsuccessful spell at Villa Park.
Loan spell ended in frustration
Elliott’s move to Aston Villa quickly became one of the most unusual loan stories of the season.
His agreement reportedly included a £30 million obligation-to-buy clause that would have been activated after a specified number of appearances.
Concerned about triggering that clause, Villa significantly reduced Elliott’s involvement, leaving the midfielder on the sidelines for much of the second half of the campaign.
The situation became so awkward that Unai Emery publicly acknowledged the circumstances and apologised for how events unfolded.
A chance to reset
Despite the disappointment, Iraola believes the experience could ultimately benefit Elliott.
The Liverpool boss suggested the midfielder has returned with renewed motivation after enduring a season in which circumstances were largely beyond his control.
“I hope we can see him in a good place,” Iraola said.
“I think Harvey comes from a season that had to be difficult for him, a strange situation where they couldn’t even play him. I think he uses this bad experience to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player.”
Determined to impress
Elliott’s lack of minutes came as a surprise after an impressive 2025 European Under-21 Championship, where he had looked ready to establish himself at the highest level.
Instead, he featured for just 109 Premier League minutes during his loan spell before returning to Liverpool.
Now back at the AXA Training Centre, the England youth international will aim to convince Iraola that he deserves a prominent role in Liverpool’s plans for the new season.
Pre-season could provide Elliott with the clean slate he has been waiting for, as he looks to put a frustrating chapter behind him and fight for his place at Anfield.
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
