Enrique to stay, says president
BARCELONA: Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted Luis Enrique will stay on next season despite the coach refusing to commit to the club after wrapping up a treble of titles on Saturday.
Barca’s 3-1 victory over Juventus in the Champions League final meant they became the first team to win their domestic league and Cup and Europe’s elite club competition in the same season on two occasions, repeating their feat from 2009.
Luis Enrique is coming to the end of the first year of a two-year contract but was clearly unhappy with the sacking of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, the man who appointed him, in January.
He fended off several questions about his future at a news conference after Saturday’s final, saying he was only focused on celebrating the treble.
The uncertainty has been amplified by a looming presidential election and a new chief in place of Bartomeu might want to bring in his own man.
Bartomeu told Spanish radio on Monday he would offer Luis Enrique a contract extension if re-elected.
“There is no need to suffer, Luis Enrique will continue,” Bartomeu said.
“His season has been 10 out of 10 and there is no reason to break the contract,” he added.
Barca celebrated their magnificent season with an open top bus tour through the Catalan capital on Sunday, culminating in a spectacular party with fans at their giant Nou Camp arena.
“The truth is to be here again is something incredible,’’ playmaker Lionel Messi said to the crowd gathered at Camp Nou.
“After a tough season last year that cost us a lot, to rebound and get back here again is something spectacular. We have to enjoy this, but I don’t have any doubts that this group will continue to win because it has the desire and motivation to continue doing so.’’
Barcelona’s bus was decked out in the club’s burgundy and blue colors, a massive photo of the team and the motto “Champions. A second treble. We continue making history.’’
Xavi began the parade propped on the back edge of the bus with a red-and-yellow Catalan flag draped over his shoulders. After 17 seasons, the 35-year-old midfielder is leaving Barcelona with a club record of 25 titles and 767 appearances, and a Champions League milestone of 151 appearances.
Xavi later told Barcelona’s supporters at Camp Nou that he would “miss you very much’’ and that he was “leaving you in the hands of future captain Andres Iniesta.’’
Dani Alves also made what could be his last appearance on Barcelona’s pitch. The Brazil right back has yet to sign an extension to his contract which ends this month.
“I want to thank all my teammates and staff and all of you for making me happy at this club,’’ he told the stadium with tears in his eyes.
“I don’t know how long this dream will last, I don’t know if it has reached its end. But I know I was happy here. I am happy here, and I will be happy because I am one of you.’’
Meanwhile, Barcelona announced the signing, pending a medical, of Sevilla midfielder Aleix Vidal, who has impressed for the Europa League winners this term and last month earned a first call-up to Vicente del Bosque’s Spain squad.