FC Barcelona's Manager Luis Enrique Announces His Leave from the Team after Sizzling 6-1 Victory
Shocking news has surfaced from Barcelona camps, as Luis Enrique has decided he will leave Barcelona as soon as his contract expires at this season's end. Although it was rumored that he is set to sign a contract extension, what happened to treble-winning coach? We’ll reveal it all!
Catelyn’s Luis Enrique made the blockbuster of the announcement at a news conference after FC Barcelona crashed Sporting Gijon 6-1 at the Nou Camp on 2nd March 2017 keeping up their bid for the third league title in four years, under the management of their former Barcelona midfielder. Luis Enrique, current manager of Catalans, who has won various titles with Barcelona, which includes two La Liga titles, double King's Cups and most importantly 2015 Champions League since succeeding Gerardo Martino in 2014 said:
"I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me, it's been three unforgettable years. In pre-season I had a meeting with (Barca directors) Albert Soler and Robert Fernandez in which I told them about the possibility of not renewing my contract,"
Moreover, he added:
They told me there was no hurry to make a decision, but now that moment has arrived. This is a very difficult decision for me which I have thought about for a very long time but I think I have to be loyal and do what I think is right."
Fans across the globe expressed their feelings on Twitter:
Currently, Barcelona is on top the standings with 57 points, one point ahead of Real Madrid who has played one game less. Real Madrid blew the chance to go to the top of the table as they drew with Las Palmas.
Luis Enrique has led his team to three La Liga titles and a Champions League but experienced heavy criticism after Barcelona were crushed 4-0 by Paris St Germain in Paris in their Champions League last 16 first-leg games two weeks ago.
Moreover, Luis Enrique followed in the footsteps of former teammate and current coach of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola in guiding Barca to the treble in his first season in charge, although his reign has also observed many intense moments.
Although he was rumored to be getting a contract extension in summer, it wasn’t meant to be as he announced his leave from the club in upcoming summer. The search will now begin for Enrique's successor. Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde, as well as Seville's coach Jorge Sampaoli, are the prime contenders for the post with Lionel Messi favoring these personalities.
The coach, Enrique was reported to be on the brink of dismissal in January of 2015 due to his rocky relationship with one of world’s best Lionel Messi after leaving the Argentine talisman out of the starting line-up in 2015.