Jump directly to the content
ON HIS WAY

Luis Enrique announces he’s leaving Barcelona at the end of the season as Catalans begin search for new manager

Barca boss said he'll leave the club in the summer, saying he is tired and needs rest

Sponsored by

LUIS ENRIQUE has announced he will step down as manager of Barcelona at the end of the season.

The Barca boss made the shock announcement after the 6-1 La Liga win over Sporting Gijon at the Nou Camp.

Luis Enrique announced he will resign as Barcelona manager at the end of the season
4
Luis Enrique announced he will resign as Barcelona manager at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty Images

Enrique said he is in need of a rest and it's time for somebody else to take charge.

The 46-year-old took over as Barcelona manager in the summer of 2014 and has led the Catalan giants to the treble and domestic double over the last two seasons.

Enrique played for Barcelona for eight seasons before he retired in 2004. He coached Barcelona B between 2008 and 2011 and then went on to manage Roma and Celta Vigo before moving back to the Nou Camp in 2014.

 

RELATED ARTICLES

Inside world's oldest football stadium which still hosts games after 164 years
OLD BUT GOLD

Inside world's oldest football stadium which still hosts games after 164 years

Enzo Fernandez's ex-fiancee flies to London to spend NYE with Chelsea star
OUT OF THE BLUE

Enzo Fernandez's ex-fiancee flies to London to spend NYE with Chelsea star

Cristiano Ronaldo's slip of the tongue sparks Georgina relationship rumours
WIFE MATERIAL

Cristiano Ronaldo's slip of the tongue sparks Georgina relationship rumours

Top 20 footballers whose transfer value rose most in 2024 including Palmer
PALM SPRINGS

Top 20 footballers whose transfer value rose most in 2024 including Palmer

The 46-year-old said he is tired and in need of a rest after almost three seasons in charge at the Nou Camp
4
The 46-year-old said he is tired and in need of a rest after almost three seasons in charge at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino and Everton manager Ronald Koeman are among the favourites to replace Enrique with Jorge Sampaoli also in the mix.

'I wont be Barcelona coach next season,' Enrique said.

'The way I do this job is why I have to leave. There are very few hours to rest. I need to rest.

'I want to thank club for their confidence, and the players for their dedication and professionalism.'

Enrique told his players of his decision before announcing to the world
4
Enrique told his players of his decision before announcing to the worldCredit: AP:Associated Press
The Barca boss is hoisted aloft by his players after winning the Champions League in 2015 in his first season in charge
4
The Barca boss is hoisted aloft by his players after winning the Champions League in 2015 in his first season in chargeCredit: DPA

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu added: 'Luis Enrique has brought us great success and he can still bring us more. The players are motivated to do it.

'We accept Luis Enrique's decision. He has been a great a coach. Now is it time to end his spell in the best possible way.'

Barcelona's win over Gijon put them top of La Liga, but Real Madrid were just two points behind with two games in hand before their game against Las Palmas.

The Catalans are also staring at a last 16 exit from the Champions League barring a miracle after losing the first leg against Paris Saint-Germain 4-0.

Barcelona face Deportivo Alaves in the Spanish Cup final on May 27, looking to win that competition for the third year in a row.

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU