Barcelona chief: This is when Enrique decision was made and when new boss will be named

BARCELONA president Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed Luis Enrique hinted this could be his last season as long ago as last summer.

By JACK STAPLEHURST

After last night’s 6-1 thrashing of Sporting Gijon, the Barca manager announced he would not be staying on next term.

Enrique cited needing a rest as the reason behind his decision.

Despite enjoying much success in his three years at the helm, Barca’s recent shock 4-0 Champions League defeat at Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid’s lead in the La Liga title race appear to have collectively taken their toll.

Bartomeu hailed Enrique’s achievements and outlined the 46-year-old told club officials of his definitive intentions earlier this week.

“In the summer, he told us that this year could be his last,” Bartomeu told Barca TV. 

“A few days ago, he told us he would not be continuing.

“We do not have to speculate any more and now we must focus on the future. The league is left, the match against PSG, the Copa final and we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Subsequently, a new manager will need to be appointed, and Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli is the front-runner.

He has reportedly already told the club the three players they must sign to convince him to quit Sevilla less than a year after arriving in Spain.

Bartomeu claims Barca will approach the process of appointing Enrique’s successor calmly and he is aware of those named linked to the job.

However, nothing will be revealed until July.

He added: “We will work with discretion and, from 1 July, we will announce the name of the new manager.”

In the meantime, Enrique will continue the fight to finish top of La Liga, with Barca one point ahead of Madrid and five in front of Sampaoli’s Sevilla.