Luis Enrique’s future at PSG has been the subject of speculation, with Liverpool looking for a new manager following the departure of Arne Slott.
PSG manager Luis Enrique celebrates the victory with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi (Image: Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi expressed confidence that Luz Enrique will remain as manager of the club on the same day his Liverpool appointment was announced. The Reds parted ways with Arne Slott on Saturday, with the Dutchman leaving Anfield after two years in charge.
Slott led Liverpool to fifth place in the Premier League this season, qualifying for the Champions League in the process, but the club decided to make the switch ahead of the summer transfer window.
Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been tipped as the frontrunner to become Liverpool manager, but there is also speculation that Enrique could be a provisional candidate.
On Saturday night, Enrique led PSG to victory in the Champions League final against Arsenal, winning 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in extra time.
Manager Al-Khelaifi was asked about Enrique’s future at the club after PSG’s famous win, amid rumors that he could sign a new contract to stay at the Parc des Princes, and said:
“He’s very special, a great coach and a great person,” Al-Khelaifi told TNT Sports. “He’s the best coach in the world. He does great things for the team.
“We have a young team so we understand the story very well. I would also like to thank the PSG players. This is for them as well. They all contributed to this project.”
Al-Khelaifi answered specifically when asked whether he expected Enrique to continue as the club’s manager.
Luis Enrique wins his second Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
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“He’s the best coach. I can’t answer any questions, but I’m really confident. Everything depends on this project,” the PSG president said. “And he is the perfect person for this project.”
Enrique was tipped as the likely candidate to replace Slot earlier this week, before news broke that the club were interested in Iraola. Danny Murphy gave a speech ahead of PSG’s final against Arsenal, calling on his former club to sign Enrique, even though the former Bournemouth manager is likely to get it.
He said: “Part of me still thinks (Luis) Enrique (Liverpool) might be able to snatch him from PSG, especially if we win against Arsenal.
“I’m going to watch his attitude after tonight’s game. I’m going to see if he tears after the game. If he cries, he’ll come to Anfield.”
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has reacted to the news of Slott’s departure and explained why he believes the Reds already have a replacement in mind.
“Well, look, I think we’ve all been around the game long enough to know how that ‘process’ works,” Gerrard told TNT Sports. “I would be very surprised if they made that decision and suddenly thought, ‘Okay, who are we going to appoint next?’
“Liverpool don’t work like that. Liverpool are an organized machine and they have been for a long time.
“I think it’s the right time because it’s the end of the season. New players will have a pre-season and they’ll get a chance to recruit players. As a new coach, this is the best time to come into the team, reset everyone and get everyone moving forward in the right direction.”
“I would be very surprised if the people above the slot who make the big decisions at Liverpool suddenly started looking for a successor three or four hours in advance.”
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