[2008] Luis Enrique to coach Barcelona B

this post was published exactly one year ago:


Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that former Barcelona player Luis Enrique (38) has accepted the offer to succeed future Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola as head coach of Barcelona B.

Luis Enrique therefore rejected an offer from Fernando Hierro, the sports director of the Spanish football association to become the head coach of the U-19 and the assistant coach of the U-21 (read more here). It was Guardiola who personally asked for Luis Enrique as his successor, being able that way to work together with a person he fully trusts. Luis Enrique was before also rumoured to become the assistant of Guardiola (read more here).

Although no official statement has been made yet, Catalan sports paper Sport thinks that Luis Enrique suggests on his blog that he indeed has found a deal with Barcelona by saying: "To all those who are concerned about my future, I can assure them that there is nothing to worry about: I will be at home, that’s crystal clear." Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain admitted on Monday that Barcelona made the former Barcelona captain an offer (read more here).

Luis Enrique obtained his coaching degree in 2006, doing his internship at the Barcelona youth academy. Since he retired as an active player in 2004, the former Barcelona right wing attacker has mainly been involved in participating in marathons and triathlons. Like Guardiola, he will have no experience as manager when taking charge of Barcelona's second team. It is expected Luis Enrique will sign a two-year deal.

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