Luis Enrique rules out Barcelona return

By Sam Varley, Reporter | 30 September 2021

Spain manager Luis Enrique rules out a return to Barcelona, who he led to a Champions League title in 2015, amidst growing rumours of Ronald Koeman's departure.

Former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has ruled out a rumoured return to the Camp Nou, amidst growing doubts of current boss Ronald Koeman's position.

Enrique, who is currently in charge of the Spanish national team, led the Blaugrana between 2014 and 2017 and saw them secure two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and a Champions League in the 2014-15 season.

Following public disagreements with club president Joan Laporta, Koeman's position as Barca boss has started to come under fire, with pressure increasing after a 3-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday - the same scoreline that they fell to in the curtain-raiser against Bayern Munich.

With the side sitting at the foot of the group without a point, and drawing three of their first six La Liga games of the season, the Barca hierarchy have reportedly planned the departure of the Dutch manager, seeing a host of potential replacements rumoured, including Enrique.

The Spain manager has ruled himself out of the race though, saying: "I think Joan Laporta doesn't even have my phone number... I'm not leaving the Spanish national team. I've a contract here as they wanted me and I'll respect it," as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

Former Barca midfielder Xavi, who featured in their Champions League triumph under Enrique, is currently the reported front-runner to take over as Blaugrana boss, with Belgium boss Roberto Martinez and Ajax manager Erik ten Hag also linked with a switch to the Camp Nou.