As suggested here last month, Luis Enrique has confirmed he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires in the summer.
The Barca coach has been constantly questioned throughout the season about whether he would commit to the club beyond the end of the current campaign, but has always refused to respond.
However, speaking after his side’s 6-1 win against Sporting Gijon on Wednesday, he took the decision to make the announcement at the end of his postmatch news conference.
“I will not be manager of Barcelona next season,” he revealed.
“In preseason I had a meeting with [Albert] Soler and Robert [Fernandez] during which I spoke about the possibility of not renewing.
“They told me that there was no rush to decide. But the moment has arrived.
“The reason is the way I have to live this profession, constantly looking to improve. It means I have very little time to rest.
“It’s been a difficult, but well thought through decision, I need to rest. I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me and for three unforgettable years.”
Barca are still fighting to win three competitions and Luis Enrique called for complete focus from everyone involved with the club between now and the end of the season.
“There are three months left and we are in a difficult situation, especially in one competition [the Champions League],” he added.
“But with the help of everyone — and if the stars align — we can turn things around [against PSG].
“My dedication during the coming three months will be total.”
Barca won the Treble in their first season under Luis Enrique after he replaced Gerardo Martino in 2014 and followed it up with a double last season.
However, there have been a lot of criticism of Barcelona’s performances this season, and questions asked about whether the club under Enrique had lost its identity.
