So that’s that then.
Luis Enrique has confirmed that he’ll be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season.
Speaking after a 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon, the 46-year-old explained that he “needed to rest” after a hectic couple of years at the club’s helm.
“The way I do this job is why I have to leave,” he said.
“There are very few hours to rest. I need to rest.”
“I will not be coaching Barcelona next season, it’s a very difficult decision for me.”
Within seconds of the news breaking, people were already starting to jump to conclusions about who might take over at the Nou Camp. Some speculated that the vacant post may be perfect for Arsene Wenger, a man that many believe is in the final couple of months of his two decade stint with Arsenal.
Inevitably, Wenger won’t be the only Premier League boss linked with the post in the time before Luis Enrique’s successor is confirmed. Two men that are likely to make the bookies’ lists of favourites are Ronald Koeman and Jurgen Klopp.
Despite signing a six-year deal at Anfield last summer, Klopp’s brand of attacking football would make him an obvious fit for the Spanish champions while Koeman has also impressed during his managerial career in England and played for Barca during the nineties.
Supporters of both Merseyside clubs were (perhaps understandably) a little bit concerned…
Barca are going to come in for Klopp aren't they?
— David (@DavidHickman87) March 1, 2017
Koeman just needs to come out an say he won't be going to Barca can't be arsed with all the rumours now, just fuck off
— Brendan (@BRawcliffe96) March 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/mainstandred/status/837050607911464961
https://twitter.com/dom1878efc/status/837057002496983044
Here we go… top off a shit season.. with… Klopp moving to barca.. #LFC I give up
— JP (@Jas_P) March 1, 2017
The Everton fan in me is already mentally preparing for Koeman to leave for Barcelona and to take Lukaku with him. #LuisEnrique
— Gyorgi (@TweetGyorgi) March 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/darreneaton83/status/837047295908675585
https://twitter.com/Little_Andy/status/837045458111459337
Catch up with the latest episode of 888Sport Football Friday Live
