Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique is to leave the Spanish club at the end of the season and his replacement is yet to be made official.
Meanwhile, Jorge Sampaoli, Ernesto Valverde and Enrique’s assistant, Carlos Unzue has been linked to take the managerial role.
The former Barcelona midfielder and Celta Vigo coach who was appointed in May 2014 announced his departure from the club after his team’s 6-1 win against Sporting Gijon at Camp Nou on Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
‘I will not be the coach of Barcelona next season, I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me, it’s been three unforgettable years,’ he said.
Enrique in his first season guided Barcelona to win the treble; the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey.
The 46-year-old who will be stepping down when his contract expires this summer added: ‘It is a difficult, measured and well thought out decision, and I think I have to be loyal to what I think. There are three exciting months ahead.’
Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez scored as Barça thrashed Sporting Gijon 6-1 at Camp Nou to revive their dreams of defending the Spanish league title.
Barcelona top the table with 57 points, while Real Madrid follow behind with 56 points, though with a game in hand.
It would take a mammoth performance in two weeks time at home to PSG – who lead 4-0 ahead of the Champions League last 16 second leg match – to keep alive his chance of repeating his 2014/15 treble-winning feat.
‘We are in a difficult situation, especially in one competition, but with the help of everyone and if the stars align, we can turn that game around. I will give my full dedication in these three months.’
Enrique has won eight trophies during the three years he’s spent as head coach at Barca.
His team will face Alaves in the Copa Del Rey final on May 27, 2017 with the hopes to add to the many titles he’s won with the Spanish club.
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