Luis Enrique will leave Barcelona at the end of the season

Luis Enrique has sensationally revealed he will step down as Barcelona manager at the end of the season. 

The 46-year-old’s position has come under immense pressure in recent weeks following their humiliating 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash last month.

Enrique, who is into the second year of his stint as Barcelona manager, was widely expected to be replaced at the end of the current campaign but the timing of his announcement has still come as a surprise given they are still fighting on three fronts.

“It’s difficult, measured and well thought-out decision and I think I have to be loyal to what I think,” Enrique announced after Barcelona’s 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon on Wednesday night.

“I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me. It’s been three unforgettable years. It’s about how I live my profession, with a never-ending quest for solutions and to improve my team. That means I have very little time to rest, very few hours to disconnect.

“I think it will be good for me at the end of the season, because I need to rest. That’s the principle motive. The most important thing is we have three exciting months left in all three competitions. In one of them, we are in a difficult situation but if the stars align, we will have a chance to turn it around.”

Enrique was made Gerardo Martino’s successor as Barcelona manager in May 2014 before going on to win the treble in his first campaign.

Things haven’t been as plain sailing this time around and there are reportedly rumblings behind the scene, although some of the Barcelona players have since refuted suggestions of unrest.

Enrique has still managed a formidable win ratio of 76.2% in his two years in charge of the Spanish giants.

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