Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Luis Enrique at Barcelona: Looking Back at the Historic Treble-Winning Stint

From Youth Coach to Treble-Winning Tactician, Luis Enrique’s Barcelona Era Was As Brilliant as It Was Turbulent.

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Luis Enrique is a hugely familiar name in the world of football. He joined Barcelona’s B Team back in 2008. He claimed that it was imperative that he had to return to his home, i.e., FC Barcelona.

“I have come home,” he said upon appointment. The young Barcelona B team flourished under his tutelage and managed to win the Segunda Division after a long span of 11 years. However, Enrique departed from the Catalan giants back in 2011 to play out his trade in Serie A as he took the head coach’s role at Roma.

Luis Enrique became Barça coach on this date 🔵🔴

What followed went down in history 🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/SS2eed1eDd
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 23, 2023

He remained for a year in Rome before returning to Spain to manage Celta Vigo. His managerial style was highly appreciated by the Barcelona board as we finally appointed Barca’s manager in 2014. He made a stunning start with a 3-0 win over Elche, where he gave debuts to youngsters like Rafinha and Munir El Haddadi.

A Treble Amidst Tensions

But it was not smooth sailing for Lucho. His managerial style included heavy tactical rotations, something which was not liked by the senior players in the squad. This led to a broken relationship with ace star Lionel Messi. The sacking of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta also showcased that Lucho’s time at Barcelona was edging towards its end.

Also Read: What Happened to Luis Enrique Daughter? His Silent Tribute Planned if PSG Win Champions League Final

Enrique didn’t bog down and instead opted for a different playing style. He went on to play both Messi and Neymar as wide forwards while Luis Suarez remained as the central striker. This move paid huge dividends as the club went on to register an 11-game winning streak, which went on to become a joint record.

His side lifted the UCL title in 2015, beating Italian giants Juventus in the finals. The club also completed the coveted treble, thereby earning Lucho a contract extension till 2017. He won the domestic double the next year, along with the UEFA Super Cup. But his relationship with Messi remained sour as he avoided answering questions about the Argentine to the press.

Also Read: How Old Is Désiré Doue? The PSG’s Priceless Talent – Salary and Market Value and More

Why Luis Enrique Left Barcelona?

The situation at Barcelona started to turn gloomy as players started to become tired owing to the rigorous training methods of Lucho. In the meantime, rumors broke that Enrique’s relationship with Messi and Suarez was at its lowest.

In March of 2017, he announced that he would leave the club after the end of the season. He claimed huge stress and was in dire need of rest. “I need to rest,” he told reporters.

Barcelona

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Luis Enrique

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Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.