BARCA COACH, LUIS ENRIQUE TO QUIT CLUB AT THE END OF THE SEASON.

Luis Enrique has announced he will leave Barcelona this summer.

Barcelona scored six against Sporting Gijon on Wednesday night before the previously embattled boss delivered the news to his players.

The club confirmed the decision of the Spaniard on social media before he address the press, citing the intense pressure he puts on himself in the role.

"The way I do this job is why I have to leave," he said after the match.
"There are very few hours to rest. I need to rest."

"I will not be coaching Barcelona next season, it's a very difficult decision for me.''

Enrique added: "My dedication will be full in these three months."
Enrique has won eight trophies since taking charge, including the Champions League.
He initially signed a two-year deal before agreeing a one-year extension at the end of a first season in which he won the treble.

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu had spoken of his wish to keep Enrique, but now he must look for a new boss.

The news will immediately ignite speculation over who will succeed Enrique at the Nou Camp.

Sevilla's former Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli is among the early favourites for the role.
Everton's former

Barcelona defender Ronald Koeman is another who has been linked with the job.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has previously been linked with Barca.

There are likely to be no shortage of other candidates, with Arsene Wenger among them.

Arsenal boss Wenger is out of contract at the end of the season and says he will still be in management even if he leaves the Gunners when his current contract expires at the end of this season after 20 years in charge.

Bartomeu said on Barcelona's official Twitter: "We accept Luis Enrique's decision. He has been a great a coach. Now is it time to end his spell in the best possible way.

"Luis Enrique has brought us great success and he can still bring us more. The players are motivated to do it."

Barcelona are still in three competitions this season, although they must overturn a 4-0 first leg deficit to Paris St Germain in the last-16 second leg.

Enrique continued: "I'll need a rest and that's the main reason. I'd like to thank the club for the confidence they've shown in me over my time (here).

"They gave me the chance to coach the B team, I did that, and these three years have been unforgettable.

"I thank the club for all the support and professionalism and I'm not forgetting there are still three incredible months to go.

"I think we can turn (the Champions League tie) around and if the stars are in our favour we can go through.

"Maximum effort and nothing more. The moment to say goodbye as the club deserves will come."

Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde is another name in the frame for the Barca job.

Luis Enrique announces he will leave Barcelona in the summer after 6-1 win over Gijon - "I need to to rest''.