Liverpool ‘target’ to replace Arne Slot has already confirmed interest | Football | Sport
Should Liverpool’s hierarchy decide to part ways with Arne Slot, the club are reportedly considering PSG boss Luis Enrique as his potential successor. The Spanish manager is currently at the helm in Paris but has previously indicated his desire to work in the Premier League, which could pave the way for a stunning move to Anfield.
Slot finds himself under intense scrutiny after presiding over nine defeats in the club’s previous 12 fixtures. The Dutchman secured Premier League success last term in his debut season, but has encountered significantly greater difficulties during his second year in charge. Whilst Slot insists he retains the support of Liverpool‘s American ownership, sources indicate Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are preparing contingency plans and view the Paris Saint-Germain manager as their preferred choice to replace Slot if dismissal becomes necessary.
In a 2023 interview with Cadena Ser radio, the 55-yearold revealed his ambitions to manage in England, stating: “I follow above all the Premier [League] because I would like to go to England to work.
“I wouldn’t go to any team but to one that could do important things, which greatly reduces the number. I don’t put my hopes up, really, because there are many candidates.”
He continued: “I am lucky because my personal life fills me up,” adding: “That it takes longer, that no offers arrive, well, it is what it is. I would go to a team with possibilities.”
Enrique has worked wonders in the French capital, guiding PSG to their maiden Champions League triumph last season. It formed part of a historic treble-winning campaign – the second time Enrique had accomplished such a remarkable achievement.
He previously did so in 2015 while at the helm of Barcelona, where he also secured the Champions League as part of that treble. Enrique’s PSG faced Liverpool last season during their march towards claiming the European Cup.
PSG suffered a 1-0 defeat in Paris before the French champions overcame Slot’s Liverpool at Anfield on penalties following a 1-0 victory in 120 minutes.
During that encounter, Enrique spoke warmly of Liverpool. He said: “Liverpool have been one of the best teams in Europe over the past few years, they won the Champions League (in 2019). It was difficult to improve on what Klopp did but Arne Slot has succeeded in creating an almost perfect team.”
While Slot’s position is understood not to be under immediate threat, Liverpool could potentially turn to Jurgen Klopp to assume the managerial role on a temporary basis should they choose to dismiss Slot.
The German, currently Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull, would likely only be approached to step in until the conclusion of the season, with Enrique improbable to depart PSG mid-campaign. Liverpool were left reeling after a shocking 3-0 defeat at Anfield to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, followed by a 4-1 Champions League drubbing at the hands of PSV on Wednesday.
The future of manager Slot now hangs in the balance, with crucial matches against West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds looming Addressing the club’s current crisis, Slot said: “It would be nice to turn it around and get a victory. But if you are working as a coach and not doing well then it is normal that questions are asked.
“If you lose so many times, people start talking about that. I have got a lot of support from above. I am OK with my position. They don’t call every single minute of the day to say they trust me, but in the normal conversations we have, I feel the trust.”
