Should Liverpool’s leadership decide to part ways with Arne Slott, the club are reportedly considering PSG manager Luis Enrique as a potential successor. The Spanish manager is currently in charge in Paris but has previously expressed a desire to work in the Premier League, which could pave the way for a surprise move to Anfield.
Slott has found himself under intense scrutiny after losing nine of the club’s last 12 games. The Dutchman enjoyed success in the Premier League in his debut season last season, but faced even greater challenges in his second year in charge. Although Slott insists he retains the backing of Liverpool’s American owners, sources say Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has contingency plans in place and the Paris Saint-Germain manager is seen as the preferred candidate to replace Slott if his removal becomes necessary.
In an interview with Cadena Ser Radio in 2023, the 55-year-old revealed his ambition to manage in England, saying: “I’m chasing the Premier (League) more than anything because I want to go and work in England.”
“I wouldn’t go to anything but a team that can do something important. That would reduce the numbers a lot. There are a lot of candidates, so I don’t really have any expectations.”
He went on to say, “I’m lucky because my personal life fulfills me,” adding, “It takes time, and if I don’t get an offer, it is what it is. I would go to a team that has a chance.”
Enrique has had an incredible run in the French capital, leading PSG to their first Champions League win last season. This is part of a historic treble campaign and marks the second time Enrique has achieved such an amazing feat.
He previously achieved this in 2015 as Barcelona manager, when he also won the Champions League as part of that treble. Enrique’s PSG faced Liverpool last season en route to winning the European Cup.
PSG suffered a 1-0 defeat in Paris, but the French champions beat Liverpool 1-0 in the slot at Anfield in 120 minutes, winning on penalties.
During that match, Enrique spoke warmly about Liverpool. He said: “Liverpool have been one of the best teams in Europe for the last few years and won the Champions League (in 2019). It would have been difficult to improve on what Klopp did, but Arne Slott has managed to build an almost perfect team.”
Slott’s position is understood to be under no immediate threat, but if Liverpool choose to sack him, they could ask manager Jurgen Klopp to take on the managerial role on an interim basis.
Enrique, a German who currently serves as Red Bull’s global head of football, is unlikely to be asked to take over until the end of the season, and it is unlikely that Enrique will leave PSG midway through the campaign. Liverpool suffered a shock 3-0 defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and were upset on Wednesday with a 4-1 defeat at PSV in the Champions League.
With important games against West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds looming, Slott’s future is now in jeopardy Regarding the club’s current crisis, Slott said: “It’s great to turn things around and get a win. But if you’re working as a coach and you’re not doing well, it’s normal for questions to be asked.”
“When you lose too many times, people start talking about it. I have a lot of support from above. I’m fine with my position. They’re not going to call me every minute of the day and say they trust me, but in the normal conversations we have, I feel the trust.”
