Liverpool has identified their top managerial replacement to take over from Arne Slot if the Reds decide to sack the struggling manager after a ninth defeat in 12 games
12:42, 28 Nov 2025Updated 12:43, 28 Nov 2025
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is facing sack calls after a shocking run of results
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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is facing sack calls after a shocking run of results(Image: (Peter Byrne/PA Wire))
Liverpool's owners have earmarked Luis Enrique as their prime candidate to take over the managerial reins if they decide to sack Arne Slot.
The Dutchman is under mounting pressure after a dismal run of nine defeats in the last 12 matches. Despite clinching the Premier League title in his debut season, Slot has endured a nightmare second year at the helm.
While Slot insists he still has the support of the American owners, they are preparing for the worst-case scenario and view PSG's Enrique as the ideal long-term successor. The Spaniard has worked wonders in Paris, guiding the French outfit to their first Champions League triumph last season.
This was part of a treble-winning campaign, marking the second time Enrique had accomplished this feat. He previously achieved this in 2015 while managing Barcelona, where he also won the Champions League as part of the treble.
In a surprising twist, Liverpool could turn to Jurgen Klopp to temporarily fill the managerial void if they decide to sack Slot. The German, currently serving as the Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull, would likely be asked to step in until the end of the season, given that Enrique is unlikely to leave mid-season.
LYON, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 09: Luis Enrique, Head coach of PSG looks on prior to the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Groupama Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
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Luis Enrique is Liverpool's No.1 target to replace Arne Slot(Image: Franco Arland, Getty Images)
Slot maintains that he's been in constant communication with the club's hierarchy during this torrid spell of results, which hit a new low this week. They suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat at Anfield to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, followed by a 4-1 Champions League humiliation at home to PSV on Wednesday.
Reports suggest discussions have been held amongst Liverpool bosses who are increasingly worried that Slot is beginning to lose the players' backing. Slot splashed out an eye-watering £426million on new signings during the summer window but has so far failed to show any improvement from last term.
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The Liverpool manager acknowledged that given their poor run of results, speculation about his position is inevitable, though he remains convinced his superiors have faith in his ability to reverse the club's fortunes. His job security could well depend on how the team performs in their forthcoming fixtures against West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds.
The Dutchman 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."