PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi addressed Luis Enrique's future after the Liverpool job became available on Saturday
Luis Enrique manager of Paris Saint Germain
Luis Enrique guided Paris Saint-Germain to victory in the Champions League final(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has voiced his belief that Luis Enrique will stay on as the club's manager, on the very same day that the Liverpool vacancy emerged. The Reds parted ways with Arne Slot on Saturday, with the Dutchman departing Anfield after two years at the helm.
Slot had steered Liverpool to fifth place in the Premier League this season, securing Champions League football in the process, yet the club opted to make a change ahead of the summer transfer window.
Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been listed as the early frontrunner for the Liverpool job, though there have been tentative suggestions that Enrique could also be in the frame.
Saturday evening saw Enrique lead PSG to glory in the Champions League final against Arsenal, clinching a 4-3 victory on penalties after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.
Al-Khelaifi spoke in the aftermath of PSG's historic triumph, where he was quizzed about Enrique's future at the club, amid speculation that the Spaniard could sign a fresh contract to stay at the Parc des Princes.
"He's very, very special, as a coach, human being, as a person, he is fantastic,” Al-Khelaifi told TNT Sports. “He's the best coach in the world. He has done amazing with the team.
"With a young team, you know the story. I would also like to thank the players of PSG. This is also for them. They all gave to this project."
When directly questioned about whether he anticipates Enrique remaining as the club's manager, Al-Khelaifi provided an unambiguous response.
"He's the best coach, I cannot answer the question, but I'm really confident, and it's all about the project,” the PSG president said. “And he is the best one for the project."
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Enrique had been listed as the frontrunner to succeed Slot by bookmakers earlier this week, before reports surfaced regarding the links to Iraola. Despite the ex-Bournemouth manager appearing to be the favourite, Danny Murphy urged his former club to pursue Enrique while speaking ahead of PSG's final against Arsenal.
He said: "Part of me still thinks [Luis] Enrique, [Liverpool] might be able to nick him from PSG, especially if they beat Arsenal.
"I'm going to watch his mannerisms after the game tonight. I am going to watch to see after the game if there are any tears. If he cries, he's coming to Anfield."
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard responded to news of Slot's exit, outlining why he suspects the Reds will already have identified a successor.
"Well, look, I think we've all been around the game long enough to know how the 'process' works,” Gerrard told TNT Sports. “I would be very surprised if they made that decision and all of a sudden thought, 'Well, who are we going to appoint next?'
"Liverpool don't work like that. Liverpool are an organised machine, up top, they have been for a long time.
"I think it is the right time because it is the end of the season. A new guy will get a pre-season, and he will get that chance to recruit players. As a manager going in, it is the best time to go in, to reset everyone, and get everyone moving forward in the right direction.
"I'd be extremely surprised if the people above Slot who make the big decisions at Liverpool all of a sudden started from three or four hours ago looking for a successor."