Barcelona's Managerial Transition: Assessing the Potential of Luis Enrique
By Shree Desai
Another name has come out as FC Barcelona's 'dream choice' to succeed Xavi. Although, at this point, every candidate has become a 'dream choice' for The Catalan Giants. Pleasantries aside, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Luis Enrique is the chosen one for Deco.
The Asturian manager joined PSG after an extensive stint with the Spanish national team. Enrique's stint with La Roja wasn't his greatest time as a manager, as the Gijonés failed to win any trophy with the national team. Enrique's glory days as a manager were at Barcelona, where he won the treble in his first season.
At the French capital, the Spanish manager has won the Trophée des Champions and will probably win Ligue 1 this season. UEFA Champions League is still on the cards, but no one can accurately predict that competition.
Can FC Barcelona sign Luis Enrique?
Luis Enrique's contract with PSG runs till 2025 and the owner, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, really likes the gaffer. The Qatari's won't make the operation easy as they dream of seeing PSG win the Champions League. This will help them prove their worthiness to be ranked among the European Giants.
The Spaniard is probably in a dilemma. On one hand, the club he loves the most calls his name, but on the other hand, he is bound by duty. Luis Enrique is bound by the project PSG has entrusted to him.
Also, Barça might not be in a position to pay a release clause for a new manager. Luis Enrique's release clause isn't publicly disclosed, but it is not going to be a run-of-the-mill amount. Here, the club is stuck in a similar situation as with Roberto De Zerbi.
Both Joan Laporta and Deco are keen on the fruition of this move and it might be the best decision for Barcelona. Still, the logistics don't make any sense, hence what happens is to be seen.