Slot Under Pressure as Liverpool Assess Future Options
Liverpool’s turbulent run of results has placed Arne Slot under growing scrutiny, yet there is currently no suggestion of an imminent change in the dugout. Senior figures remain reluctant to take drastic action, but the scale of recent setbacks – nine defeats in 12 across competitions – has forced internal discussions about potential contingency plans.
Confidence within the squad has eroded at an alarming rate, leaving the reigning champions far adrift of their early-season ambitions. With West Ham United, Sunderland and Leeds United looming across the next week, Liverpool’s hierarchy accept that this stretch may shape not only the narrative around the manager, but also the direction of their season.
Hughes Initiates Contingency Planning
Although Slot continues to work under the understanding that he retains the backing of the club, the Mirror suggests sporting director Richard Hughes has begun exploring managerial scenarios should results continue worsening. The objective is not to undermine the current head coach, but rather to ensure Liverpool are not caught unprepared.
Reports in Spain this week revived speculation linking the club with their former manager, but a return to that era is not being pursued. Those close to the process acknowledge that such a move would be neither practical nor aligned with the long-term project designed over the past two years.
Instead, initial enquiries have centred on highly regarded coaches operating at the elite end of European football. Among them, Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique has emerged as a name of considerable interest.
Enrique Considered a Strong Candidate
Enrique’s profile is regarded as a strong fit for a squad that retains considerable attacking capacity but has drifted from its identity. The 55-year-old oversaw PSG’s quadruple-winning 2024/25 campaign and previously delivered sustained success during his spell in Spain. According to reporting relayed via The Mirror, Liverpool have placed him prominently among possible long-term targets should the situation around Slot worsen.
His suitability is understood to extend beyond achievements alone. Hughes is believed to admire Enrique’s tactical clarity – a 4-3-3 base shape enhanced by intelligent rotations, expansive width from full-backs and calm patterns of possession designed to progress the ball with purpose.
There is a feeling internally that the current squad could be elevated by such an approach. Names such as Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz have been highlighted as potential beneficiaries, but the most intriguing fit may be Alexander Isak.
Enrique’s Influence on Isak’s Revival
Isak’s difficult adaptation following his move to Anfield has surprised many, given his pedigree and Premier League track record. Despite that, there is recognition inside the club that the team’s collective instability has played a defining role in his drop-off.
Enrique’s forwards typically flourish within a system that prizes movement, sharp combinations and rapid transitions. Former players have often spoken about how his guidance refined their decision-making and efficiency in the final third. Observers familiar with Isak’s game believe that such a structure could reawaken the attributes that once made him one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers.
There are stylistic parallels to players Enrique has worked with previously. While no direct comparison is perfect, the methods used to maximise wide forwards and central runners could be replicated to restore Isak’s confidence and output. Critics may argue that his current numbers fall short of those seen from Europe’s leading forwards, yet context matters: he operates in a more demanding league and was widely praised as the league’s standout striker only last season.
Should Liverpool move in this direction, it would be with an eye on unlocking a player whose potential remains vast. Enrique’s tactical expertise, coupled with his record of developing forwards, is one reason why Hughes views him as an appealing candidate during a period defined by unpredictability.
For now, Slot remains in position and continues preparing his side for a critical run of fixtures. But the conversations taking place at executive level underline a simple truth: Liverpool are planning for every scenario, and Enrique is firmly among the names shaping those discussions.
