Independent

Who will be next Liverpool manager? Iraola talks to begin as fans plea for Luis Enrique

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Liverpool’s search for a new manager is heating up with plenty of fans dreaming of appointing Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique but talks are set to begin this week with ex-Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.Arne Slot’s sudden sacking on Saturday afternoon following a disappointing Premier League title defence has created a vacancy in the Anfield hotseat and the club will open formal talks with Iraola’s people this week as they step up their interest in appointing the Spaniard.In an end-of-season review that led to Slot’s departure, Liverpool concluded they wanted more urgent and aggressive football – which could suit the former Cherries manager’s high-paced style of play. "A team like Liverpool can’t be getting beat 4-1 at home to a Dutch side.



I think it’s better late than never but I think it’s a bit late to be honest.”And when asked by Jamie Carragher who he wanted in the Anfield dugout next, Pimblett added: “I want Luis Enrique to win tonight and then step down from being PSG manager because he’s done the treble twice.“Then be like ‘I want a new challenge.’ Because we are a challenge at the minute.”Enrique has won back-to-back Champions Leagues with PSG (Getty)Former player Danny Murphy echoed the sentiment ahead of the clash, saying: “Part of me still thinks [Luis] Enrique, [Liverpool] might be able to nick him from PSG, especially if they beat Arsenal.”Enrique was initially the bookies’ favourite to replace Slot after his sacking until Liverpool’s interest in Iraola became apparent, with many firms since having stopped taking bets on the Spaniard.After PSG’s famous win over Arsenal to become back-to-back European champions, the club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi expressed confidence that Enrique will remain in charge.“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. They all gave to this project.”PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi (left) is confident of keeping Enrique (Getty)When specifically asked if he expects Enrique to remain at the Parc des Princes amid rumours he will sign a new deal, Al-Khelaifi gave a clear answer.“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 added.