Luis Enrique To Step Down As Barca Coach At End Of Season

The 46-year-old made the announcement after his side’s 6-1 win over his first club Sporting Gijon at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar each scored as Barcelona thrashed struggling Sporting Gijon in the Spanish La Liga last night.

Enrique initially signed a two-year deal in May 2014 before agreeing a one-year extension at the end of a first season in which he won the treble.

“I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me, it’s been three unforgettable years,” said Luis Enrique, who has won two Liga titles, two King’s Cups and the 2015 Champions League since succeeding Gerardo Martino in 2014.

The former Span midfielder revealed he had met with Barca directors Albert Soler and Robert Fernandez before this season to discuss the possibility of not renewing his contract.

“They told me there was no hurry to make a decision, but now that moment has arrived,” he added.

“This is a very difficult decision for me which I have thought about for a very long time but I think I have to be loyal and do what I think is right.”

Barca top the standings on 57 points, one ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid who have played one game fewer.

Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu said on Barcelona’s official Twitter: “We accept Luis Enrique’s decision. He has been a great coach. Now is it time to end his spell in the best possible way.

“Luis Enrique has brought us great success and he can still bring us more. The players are motivated to do it.”

The Catalan club will now be on the look for a new manager for next season, with Sevilla’s former Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli, Everton’s former Barcelona defender Ronald Koeman, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino among those who have been previously linked with the club.