Luis Enrique confirmed as Barca coach
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E-mail Xinhua, May 20, 2014
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Enrique signs two-year deal as Barcelona coach. |
FC Barcelona confirmed Luis Enrique as the replacement to Gerardo 'Tata' Martino as first team coach on Monday evening. The coach has agreed a two year contract.
Luis Enrique, 44, a former Barcelona player who has coached the club's B-team, was expected to be named as Martino's replacement after he confirmed at the end of last week that he would not be continuing at Celta Vigo, whom he coached to a mid-table position this season.
Meanwhile Martino said on Saturday that he would not continue as Barcelona coach, after the 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid, which saw Barca condemned to end the season with no major title other than the pre-season Spanish Supercup.
Luis Enrique will be a popular choice to take over from Martino, who had the difficult task of replacing Tito Vilanova last summer after Vilanova suffered a relapse of the cancer which claimed his life at the end of April.
Although Luis Enrique had previously played for Real Madrid, he became a popular player for Barcelona, characterized by his aggressive style of play and an ability to perform well in a variety of roles.
He made 300 appearances for Barcelona and scored a total of 109 goals during his 8 years in the first team.
As a coach he enjoyed a successful spell with Barcelona's B- team, helping to develop the club's young players, before moving to Italy, where he had a difficult season with Roma.
That had cast doubts over his coaching ability but his season with Celta has showed him to be a coach who favors a fast attacking style of football, with his players looking to pass the ball quickly to break down opposing sides.
One of the main criticisms leveled against Martino was that he had made too many changes to the passing game which has long typified Barca's play and in that respect Luis Enrique will be a popular choice among fans, although some doubts may still remain over his experience.
Barca have also confirmed the signing of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Ter Stegen as well as the return of Rafinha Alcantara and Gerard Deulofeu will form part of the first team squad for next season after loan spells with Celta and Everton.
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