PSG pick next manager and listen to Cristiano Ronaldo advice Man Utd ignored

18 June 2023 , 13:18

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Luis Enrique's last managerial role ended as Spain were knocked out of the World Cup in the last-16 in Qatar (Image: (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images))

Julian Nagelsmann has now withdrawn from the race to become new PSG manager, with the club's Qatari ownership turning their attentions to Luis Enrique, with talks to appoint the Spaniard believed to be at an advanced stage.

The German was reported to have been engaged in talks with the club's hierarchy, but a deal could not be reached as the club hoped a deal could be struck to appease wantaway star man Kylian Mbappe. Now, Enrique is set to be appointed, as the new PSG boss, with his reputation as a Champions League winner set to seal the deal.

Current incumbent Christopher Galtier is set to leave the club, with his exit expected to be announced having been widely reported since the end of the season amid failure to progress in the Champions League.

ESPN had reported that the shortlist had been narrowed down to four candidates, Luis Enrique, Sergio Conceicao, Marcelo Gallardo and Thiago Motta. However, according to L’Équipe, Luis Enrique has emerged as the leading candidate

Former Spain and Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is named as having the support of club officials in Doha, with Porto boss Conceicao also having been contacted with regards to the role.

Man Utd lose seven players and sign three as January transfer window closes

However, the former is set to be appointed, with the 53-year-old having left his role as Spain manager following their last-16 exit at the World Cup. His reputation is enhanced by some big-name backers reportedly having been Cristiano Ronaldo's choice to replace Ole Gunnar Solksjaer in 2021.

Luis Enrique won the Champions League as Barcelona manager ((Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images))

The Spaniard has previously been linked with a move to both Chelsea and United, having stated his desire to work in the Premier League, but it is the riches of PSG which appear to have proved too tempting to turn down.

The French club are currently mired in difficulties, with Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos both having left the club. Mbappe, meanwhile, has stunned club officials with declaration of his intentions to leave on a free transfer next summer - he could also be joined by Neymar in leaving the club, as the Brazilian's relationship with the club's fans has fallen apart.

Cristiano Ronaldo had hoped Luis Enrique would replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Man Utd (AFP via Getty Images)

Having not won the Champions League in 12 years of their ownership, plans have now changed as a change in transfer strategy emerges to promote more young, home-grown talent through the club's ranks. Parisian talents such as Kingsley Coman and Christopher Nkunku have slipped through the net as the Qatari ownership pursue big names such as Neymar and Messi.

Failure to win the Champions League has led to a number of managers coming through the door, with a new manager set to become the Qataris seventh boss in 12 years. However, question marks have arisen as to the environment at the club, with politics and a poor dressing room atmosphere thought to have contributed to their lack of continental success.

Will Freeman