Reports suggest Enrique has emerged as Liverpool’s top managerial target as Slot comes under increasing pressure at Anfield.
Arne Slot admitted this week that missing out on Champions League qualification would carry severe financial consequences for Liverpool a stark reflection of the club’s current struggles.
Despite leading the Reds to the Premier League title last season, Slot has won just six of his last 20 league matches, sparking growing concern among supporters and pundits alike. While Fenway Sports Group remain publicly supportive, the Dutchman’s credit in the bank is rapidly diminishing.
Liverpool’s interest in Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso has been strongly linked with a return to Anfield after becoming a free agent following his departure from Real Madrid earlier this year.
Liverpool had previously considered Alonso as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp before appointing Slot, and the former Reds midfielder remains highly regarded for his tactical intelligence and success at Bayer Leverkusen.
However, his underwhelming spell in Madrid has raised doubts about whether he is ready for the immense pressure of managing one of world football’s biggest clubs.
Why Luis Enrique tops FSG’s shortlist
According to reports, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has emerged as Liverpool’s leading alternative and possibly their preferred option.
The 55-year-old’s contract runs until the end of next season, but speculation around his future has intensified, with both Liverpool and Manchester United monitoring the situation closely.
Enrique has previously expressed his desire to manage in England, saying in 2013:
“I’d like to manage in England one day.”
Fluent in English and boasting a trophy-laden career with Barcelona and PSG, Enrique is widely regarded as one of the elite managers in world football.
Renowned journalist Julien Laurens has even described him as “the best manager in the world”.
A proven winner at the highest level
Enrique’s résumé includes multiple domestic titles and two European trebles, as well as masterminding PSG’s historic quintuple in 2025.
His teams are known for their dominance in possession, tactical flexibility and attacking fluidity areas where Liverpool have struggled this season despite posting high possession numbers under Slot.
Premier League 2025/26 possession rankings show Liverpool averaging 61% possession, yet failing to convert that control into consistent attacking output.
Why Enrique fits Liverpool better than Alonso
While Alonso’s tactical philosophy is widely admired, his recent struggles at Real Madrid highlight the risks of appointing a relatively inexperienced manager to such a high-pressure role.
Enrique, by contrast, has “been there and done that” succeeding at Barcelona, PSG and on the international stage, while consistently managing superstar dressing rooms.
He has also demonstrated a remarkable ability to elevate attacking players, transforming Ousmane Dembélé into a Ballon d’Or winner and getting the best from forwards like Hugo Ekitike.
Given Liverpool’s struggles to maximise the output of big-money signings such as Alexander Isak, Enrique’s track record with elite attackers could prove decisive.
FSG need immediate results
Liverpool spent heavily last summer, reportedly investing over £450m in the squad. With the current campaign widely viewed as a failure, FSG cannot afford another misstep in the dugout.
While Alonso may yet go on to achieve great things, Liverpool need an immediate turnaround not a long-term project.
If Slot is eventually removed, Luis Enrique stands out as the safest, most accomplished and most transformative option available.
And at Anfield, transformation is exactly what is needed.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
