Arne Slot heads into Sunday’s match against West Ham under serious pressure, with questions about his future already swirling.
Given that they have lost six of their last seven Premier League matches, another heavy defeat could prompt the Liverpool owners to dismiss the Dutchman.
This is not how Liverpool typically operate. They rarely change managers during a campaign, but the situation may soon leave them with little choice.
And broadcaster Richard Keys claims the Reds have already identified their preferred successor to Slot. They are simply waiting for the right time to make their move.
Liverpool reportedly targeting Luis Enrique as Arne Slot’s replacement
There has been a growing sense that Liverpool have been looking to follow PSG’s tactical approach ever since they faced off in the Champions League last season.
Keys believes that while this plan has not worked out under Slot, the club’s end goal remains clear: bring Luis Enrique to Anfield.
However, with Enrique firmly established at PSG and in the middle of another strong campaign, Keys suggested that Steven Gerrard could step in on an interim basis until the summer.
The broadcaster said on beIN SPORTS: “Did Steven Gerrard have any idea that this situation was developing when he said no to Rangers recently? I’m just asking the question.
“I think long-term they want Luis Enrique. I think there’s little to no chance Paris would allow that to happen, but maybe Luis Enrique harbours an ambition to manage in the Premier League. That’s not going to happen now, so they may need a babysitter.
“Now, Steven may have tax issues that require him to continue to live in Bahrain, but I’m sure in football if people want something to happen it generally does. I don’t believe Liverpool’s hierarchy could not have had conversations about it [sacking Slot].”
Luis Enrique’s PSG contract: what Liverpool fans should know
Enrique would be a standout appointment, but it is hard to see how Liverpool could make it happen in the near future.
The 55-year-old extended his stay at PSG in February, signing a new deal that keeps him under contract until the end of the 2026/27 season.
That does not mean he will necessarily see out the full term, but there is little sign of either party looking for a change anytime soon. Both he and the club seem content with how things are going.
If there comes a point where Liverpool feel they can lure him away from Paris, then they should absolutely go for it. Enrique has shown he has got the credentials to succeed at any level.
In the meantime, if Slot does depart, the Reds will likely have to turn to other candidates who do not have Enrique’s pedigree.
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