Luis Enrique has revealed that he plans to take a sabbatical once he leaves Barcelona after confessing “I never thought I’d become a Coach”.
The 44-year-old extended his contract until 2017 in the summer after he guided La Blaugrana to a historic second treble in his first season at the helm, and he made it clear that he would not manage another club for the foreseeable future.
“What people see from a Coach on the pitch is just the tip of the iceberg of all the work done [in training],” he said in an interview published on Barca’s official website.
“From the analysis of the match to the preparation in each training session, it’s all very intense, because there are only three days between games.
“[My technical staff] are as demanding as I, otherwise we wouldn’t be working together.
“We all work with the same footballing idea but with different concepts because all players aren’t equal. The essence of managing day to day is the same.
“[On individual stars], they are unique players, and we have many players who are the best in their respective positions. It’s a perfect picture.
“[Lionel] Messi is recognised as the best player in the worldand, for me, he’s the best ever.
“Neymar is also poised to be one of the best [in history] and Suarez is certainly the best striker.
“[Pressure] doesn’t affect me. I put up barriers because there are things [related to pressure] which can affect any human being, so you have to protect yourself.
“Praise weakens you. You have to evolve with every year. The main challenge is to continue winning and improving in all competitions.
“We must continue growing. This is a team who can break records, and the challenges on the horizon are very attractive.
“I like to have a good atmosphere in the dressing room and for music to be played before a match.
“We have to also entertain the fans, while enjoying ourselves too.
“I like to be close to the players and then make decisions as a Coach. The players are smart enough to know what they should be doing.
“Parents should force their children to study and let them enjoy their football at the same time.
“What I really liked doing as a player was to score, make assists and fly into tackles.
“I never thought I’d become a Coach [as a player] and found it difficult at first.
“When I leave Barca, I’m sure I’ll take at least a year off.”
