As the contract situation of Lucho heats up, we list the top 10 managers who can replace him at Barcelona
Luis Enrique last renewed his contract after his first treble-winning season with the club. It was a 2 year deal that is due to expire on 30th June, 2017. He has been very successful at the Camp Nou, winning 8 trophies for the Blaugrana till date. But he had given no statement regarding his future at the club until last week. Barca TV interviewed him.
He said, “My future? I don’t know. I have no doubt that I’m with the best team, the best club, the best players, in my home, with my family, winning things and enjoying myself a lot (…) but there’s also a part of this profession which is tough, which I struggle with, which has its negative aspects and I will have to assess it regarding the coming seasons. However, I’m still planning the club’s immediate future.”
But reportedly, Lucho has asked for more time to ponder his next move. This is evident from club president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s comments. He said in an interview with beIN Sports, “Our desire is that Luis Enrique continues, but we’ve agreed with him that until April we will not talk about next season. There will be time to talk.”
This can trigger a series of moves by Barcelona. According to Sport, sporting director Robert Fernandez is preparing a plan B if Luis Enrique decides not to renew his contract. He is likely to start negotiations with agents of other coaches to ensure the club is not in a crisis Lucho he decides to leave. The top 10 coaches who are the most likely to replace Luis Enrique are as follows: