Luis Enrique tipped as dream Liverpool appointment immediately after Champions League final

Ex-Liverpool star Danny Murphy is holding out hope that the Reds will name Luis Enrique as Arne Slot’s successor.

The Reds confirmed the Dutchman’s sacking on Saturday, just over a year after he delivered a Premier League title, and his replacement could already be lined up.

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talkSPORT understands ex-Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the leading candidate to take the reins at Anfield.

Talks are advancing between Iraola and Liverpool this weekend, whose three-year stint at the Cherries came to an end after he guided them to Europa League qualification.

The Spaniard is the clear frontrunner for the job, having already informed the Reds of his desire to join them.

Slot’s departure comes after he struggled to replicate his stunning first season in charge, where Liverpool stormed to the league title.

Despite splashing out a record £446million on new signings, including Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, the Reds only managed a disappointing fifth-place finish – 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Perfect fit?

With Iraola set to be tasked with transforming Liverpool’s fortunes, former midfielder Murphy believes this is an appointment fans would welcome, with his Bournemouth sides earning praise for their front-foot attacking style.

Speaking on GameDay Warm-Up, Murphy was asked about Iraola replacing Slot after the Dutchman’s sacking was announced.

He said: “The style is certainly in keeping with what Liverpool fans want, because I don’t know how often you’ve watched Bournemouth, I’ve done them a few times live this season.

“They are all out there, they go for it, they are brave, they’re fit, they’re dynamic.

“That’s exactly what he’ll do if he goes through the door, that’s how he’ll have them playing and that’s what the Liverpool fans want.”

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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was of a similar opinion, who insisted Iraola’s style of play, as well as his past working relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes, make him an ideal fit.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard said: “I think he has done a fabulous job at Bournemouth. I think his style would suit Liverpool. 

“Let’s not beat around the bush, Liverpool Football Club is an attractive job for a lot of elite managers around the world, so I don’t think he will be the only name on the table.

“But because of the link to Bournemouth and the guys that have come from Bournemouth to Liverpool in terms of board level, they will know him very well. But then there are other names out there as well that I am sure would want that Liverpool job.

“It’s a huge job in world football. I think he should be in the conversation, yes.”

European pedigree

Despite support for Iraola to take over at Anfield, Murphy then named another manager he believes Liverpool can poach.

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Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has been European football’s standout manager in recent years, having guided his side to a first-ever Champions League glory last year, as well as three Ligue 1 titles.

And he still has another Champions League final to play, with PSG meeting Arsenal in tonight’s showpiece, live on talkSPORT.

The talkSPORT pundit continued: “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.”

Frank verdict

While he backed Iraola to be a popular appointment, Murphy was concerned by the fact he’s never managed a big club.

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He cited Thomas Frank as a warning, who was sacked by Tottenham in February having struggled to handle the step-up in expectations after his arrival from Brentford.

Murphy said: “The only reservation with a manager like that is to do with the big club expectation and the big players dealing with them.”

The ex-Red explained: “I suppose this season when Thomas Frank went to Tottenham, he struggled with that expectation, it looked like he was struggling with the pressure.

“And I think that’s the only question mark over bringing in somebody, his football’s great, but he’s never managed at a big club.

“He’s never had his life, he won’t have had intrusion in his life, everything he says is going to be put out there for the world to hear. He’s going to be interviewed more than he’s ever been before, he’s going to have to learn on the job with that.

“And that’s the only area I would be concerned about with any manager coming into Liverpool who’s never been at a big club before.”