Josep Maria Bartomeu has stated that Barcelona will not name Luis Enrique’s successor until after July 1.
Speaking to Barca TV after the side’s 6-1 thrashing of Sporting Gijon on Wednesday, Bartomeu paid tribute to “one of the greatest Coaches” in the club’s history in Enrique and revealed the players were “sad but motivated” about the 46-year-old’s exit.
“Luis Enrique’s been a super Coach for three seasons. He’s one of the greatest Coaches in Barca’s history,” began the President.
“He won’t be here next season, but we’re very happy with the work he has done so far and will do until the end of the season.
“The club will continue to support him, as we’ve always done, because we hope to end the season in the best way possible.
“He informed us last summer that he was considering this could be his last season. A few days ago, he told us that he wouldn’t stay on.
“We don’t have to speculate anymore and now we must focus on the future. We have the League, the PSG game, the Copa final and a lot of work to do in the months ahead.
“The players are sad, but they’re also very motivated to keep working. This won’t stop until June 30.
“We’ll face the recruitment process with confidence and discretion, and, as of July 1, we’ll announce the name of the new Coach.
“The important thing is that we face up to the remaining games we have left. We have to support [Enrique] until the end of the season, which is exciting because we can still win trophies.
“Luis Enrique has won eight trophies out of 10 in three seasons. He’s given us success in the last years and a great image of the club, but we’re not done yet. We have three more exciting months to go.”
