Barca Manager To Step Down

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has announced that he will step down from the role at the end of the season, explaining that he needs to rest. There has been much speculation about his future at the club, with several managers being rumoured to take over before this announcement was even made. 

Enrique will have managed the Catalan giants for three seasons when he departs, having won a treble in his first season, including the Champions League, and then a domestic double the next season.

Following Barcelona's 6-1 demolition of Sporting Gijon on Wednesday night, Enrique's team sit top of La Liga, one point ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid, who have played one game less. They also have the Copa Del Rey final against Alaves in May. The situation is not as sweet in the Champions League however, with Barca having to overcome a four goal deficit against PSG if they are to progress. 

Fans of the club have not been convinced by Enrique's management of the team, not just results but the way he has them playing.  A pundit from Radio Catalunya expressed his feelings; "When we are watching Barcelona, we are watching a team that is losing it's essence. Luis Enrique is losing control of the team."

The Barcelona directors will now turn their attention to who will replace Enrique next season. Ronald Koeman, who has repeatedly denied any link to the job and Mauricio Pochettino have both recently been suggested for the role. After saying that he is keen to continue managing if he leaves Arsenal, how about Arsene Wenger to take over the role? The Frenchman has also been suggested as the next manager of Real Madrid.