Liverpool to open talks with Iraola as Luis Enrique emerges as fans' preferred choice

Liverpool will open formal talks with Andoni Iraola’s representatives this week as the club moves quickly to replace Arne Slot, who was dismissed on Saturday following a disappointing Premier League title defence. The Spaniard is the early frontrunner for the Anfield job, though a growing number of supporters are calling for the club to pursue PSG head coach Luis Enrique instead.

Slot’s departure followed an end-of-season review in which Liverpool concluded they wanted a more urgent and aggressive style of football — a brief that aligns with Iraola’s high-tempo approach at Bournemouth. The 43-year-old was originally brought to the Premier League in 2023 by Liverpool director of football Richard Hughes, who identified him for the Cherries role after a successful three-season spell at Rayo Vallecano.

Liverpool are not the only club pursuing Iraola. AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen have registered interest, and Crystal Palace are making a concerted effort to appoint him as Oliver Glasner’s successor. VfB Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Lens head coach Pierre Sage are also under consideration at Anfield, though neither is as advanced in Liverpool’s thinking as Iraola at this stage.

The case for Enrique gained momentum over the weekend after PSG retained the Champions League, beating Arsenal on penalties in the final in Budapest. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy suggested the timing could work in the club’s favour. “Part of me still thinks Enrique — Liverpool might be able to nick him from PSG, especially if they beat Arsenal,” Murphy said ahead of the final.

UFC fighter and Liverpool supporter Paddy Pimblett was more direct when speaking to CBS Sport. “I want Luis Enrique to win tonight and then step down from being PSG manager because he’s done the treble twice,” Pimblett said. “Then be like, ‘I want a new challenge.’ Because we are a challenge at the minute.”

Pimblett also addressed Slot’s exit, saying the Dutchman should have been dismissed earlier in the season. “Personally, I think he should have been sacked when we got beaten 4-1 at home by PSV Eindhoven. 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.”

Slot, for his part, has since written an open letter to Liverpool supporters following his dismissal. Liverpool have not confirmed a timeline for appointing his successor.