Luis Enrique's departure sends shockwaves through Spain
This file photo taken on February 4, 2017 shows Barcelona's coach Luis Enrique before the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club Bilbao at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. Luis Enrique announced on March 1, 2017 that he will leave Barcelona at end of season. / AFP / LLUIS GENE
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Daily Star on March 03, 2017, on page 13.
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Barcelona coach Luis Enrique's decision to remove any suspense over his future by confirming he will step down as coach after three trophy-filled but turbulent seasons at the Camp Nou at the end of the campaign was met with surprise Thursday.
"Goodbye leader," said the front page of Barcelona sport daily Mundo Deportivo in reference to Enrique's announcement coming on the same night Barca overtook Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Luis Enrique told the players his decision just minutes before going public at the end of his post-match news conference Wednesday.
Only the two greatest coaches in Barca's history – Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff – have won more.
Far from the sides filled with homegrown players built around the midfield of the Guardiola years, Enrique's team has been about feeding the star front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar the ball as quickly as possible.