Paddy Pimblett reveals dream next Liverpool manager after Arne Slot sacking

View 3 Images

Paddy Pimblett has called for Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique to take over the reins at Liverpool following the dismissal of Arne Slot .

The UFC lightweight star and passionate Liverpool fan did not mince his words when asked for his view of the sacking. Pimblett described the decision to dismiss Slot as "better late than never," and believed the Reds should have given Slot the sack after the club's 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last November.

Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League and failed to win a trophy after winning the league in Slot's first campaign. The Dutchman still had a year left on his contract and had been expected to continue as manager, but the Merseyside giants ultimately changed their tune.

Andoni Iraola is in line to be appointed as the next Liverpool manager after leaving Bournemouth , having guided them to sixth place. But if it were down to Pimblett, he would go all out for Enrique. Speaking before the Champions League final, which PSG won on penalties against Arsenal , the Scouse scrapper expressed his views on Slot's exit to CBS Sport: "It's been a long time coming.

FOLLOW OUR FIGHTING FB PAGE! Latest boxing and MMA news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

"Personally, myself, I think he should have been sacked when we got beat 4-1 at home by PSV Eindhoven. A team like Liverpool can't be getting beat 4-1 at home to a Dutch side. It just shouldn't be happening. You know what I mean? We're a bigger football team than that. I think it's better late than never, but I think it's a bit late to be honest."

When quizzed by Jamie Carragher on who he would like to see take charge at Anfield, Pimblett responded: "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."

An official statement from the club following Slot's sacking read: "Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor is under way."

The statement added: "Having joined the club in June 2024, Arne went on to deliver our 20th league title in his first season in charge, ending the 2024-25 campaign as LMA Manager of the Year having also guided the team to the Carabao Cup final and the last 16 of the Champions League .

"He subsequently oversaw Champions League qualification for a second successive season in 2025-26 as the Reds also reached the quarter-finals of the same competition.

"That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful.

"As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.

"From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it. This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens.

View 3 Images

"At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but. We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title.

"That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day. He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.

View 3 Images

"As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come.

"Nevertheless, the conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.