Paddy Pimblett uses CBS Sports cameo to try and convince manager to join Liverpool

Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett has urged Luis Enrique to step down from his role as Paris Saint-Germain head coach and take on the "challenge" of managing Liverpool.

Ahead of this evening's Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal, the UFC fighter was asked to give his take on who should succeed Arne Slot as he appeared on US channel CBS Sports.

Slot was relieved of his duties on Saturday, just a year after leading Liverpool to their 20th league title.

The Reds are expected to make a quick appointment, with free agent Andoni Iraola understood to be the leading candidate to take over at Anfield following an impressive three-year spell at Bournemouth.

In fact, Fabizio Romano claims Liverpool have already made the decision. “The negotiations will move forward quickly to get it done with formal steps but Liverpool decision is made," he said. “Iraola will be the next manager.”

Liverpool supporter Pimblett, meanwhile, wants Luis Enrique to step away from PSG after the Champions League final and become Liverpool head coach.

As he stood alongside CBS pundits Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards, the UFC lightweight contender made a plea to the Spaniard, who has yet to sign a new contract at the Parc des Princes.

"I want Luis Enrique to win tonight and then step down from being PSG manager because he's done a treble twice," said Pimblett. "I want him to say, 'I want a new challenge' because we are a challenge at the minute."

After Thierry Henry replied with a sarcastic "all the best" comment, the camera panned towards Enrique, who was stood on the Puskas Arena touchline. "Get him over here and I'll headlock him," Pimblett laughed.

Liverpool confirm Arne Slot departure in lengthy statement

On Saturday afternoon, Liverpool confirmed their decision to part ways with Slot.

A statement 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.

"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."

In a joint statement, Liverpool’s ownership "underlined its appreciation for the success Arne brought to the club and also the leadership displayed in his two years in charge".

They said: “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.

“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."

They continued: “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.

“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.

“Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.”