Enrique says he’ll soon bid adios to Barca
MADRID — The Luis Enrique era at Barcelona will end this season.
The coach said on Wednesday he will leave the Spanish champion to get some rest after three years in charge.
He made the surprise announcement following Barca’s 6-1 La Liga win over Sporting Gijon.
The victory moved Barca above Real Madrid to the top of the standings after Gareth Bale was sent off in the latter’s 3-3 draw at home to Las Palmas on Wednesday.
“I need to rest,” Enrique told the post-match media conference. “I won’t be the coach of Barcelona next season.
“It was a very difficult decision for me, very well-thought out,” the 46-year-old former Spain international said.
“The reason clearly had to do with the way of life I need to have in this profession, constantly having to find solutions, constantly trying to improve my team. That means very little time to rest, very little time to disconnect.
“After this season it will be good for me to get some rest.”
The players first got the news in the locker room after the game at Camp Nou.
“He told us about his decision and we have to accept it,” midfielder Ivan Rakitic said.
“We want to finish the season with victories and enjoy what’s left of it.”
Enrique said he told the club in the summer that he was considering not returning after his contract expired at the end of this season.
“I would like to thank the club for all the confidence that it had in me throughout my years here, both as a player and as a coach,” he said.
Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu said the coach confirmed his decision to leave a few days ago.
“We accept Luis Enrique’s decision. He has been a great coach. Now we have to finish the season the best possible way,” Bartomeu said.
“Luis has helped us succeed, and he can still help us. The players are motivated to make sure that happens.”
Enrique won eight titles with the Catalans and has the chance to win three more before leaving — the league, King’sCupandtheChampions League.
Barcelona is in a tight race with Madrid for the domestic top-flight title and reached the cup final against Alaves. But it must reverse a 4-0 firstleg loss to Paris Saint-Germain to stay alive in the Champions League.
The humiliating last-16 loss in the French capital last month left Enrique under pressure from fans and local media, and he was jeered at Camp Nou in a league game shortly after the defeat.
“I’m so sad because we are going to miss the perfect trainer for Barcelona,” said former Barca coach and ex-teammate of Enrique, Pep Guardiola, who is currently at the helm of Manchester City.
“I wish him the best as a fan, a member of Barcelona. I just want to say thank you for all you have done for three years at my club.”
A former defensive midfielder for the Catalans, Enrique replaced Gerard Martino ahead of the 2014-15 campaign.
He immediately led the team to the treble in the Spanish league, cup and Champions League. He followed that up with the league and cup double last year.
Enrique’s other titles with Barcelona include the 2015 UEFA Super Cup and the 2016 Spanish Super Cup, as well as the 2015 Club World Cup.
“It’s been three unforgettable years,” Enrique said. “We have three thrilling months left and we will continue to give our best.”