Reports: Barcelona manager Luis Enrique could coach European giants next season
What’s the story?
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique surprised the football world when he announced that he would be stepping down as the Catalan side’s manager at the end of the season. While there has been intense speculation about who would be replacing him at Barcelona, reports from Italy (Todomercadoweb.com) now state that Enrique himself is being lined up by Inter Milan.
The Italian side are busy plotting an ambitious new project and according to the report, their director of sport, Walter Sabatini, has included the Asturian in his list of candidates to take over as the new Nerazzurri manager.
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After a string of poor results, Inter Milan recently sacked their manager Stefano Pioli. The owners are keen to have a major squad overhaul at the end of this season and they are reportedly eager for talks to start with the Barcelona manager.
Also, Enrique has previous experience of having managed in the Serie A. The Asturian had a mixed spell at Roma before going on to win everything under the sun at Barcelona. With reports suggesting that Enrique wants to take a break of one year from football, Inter Milan will find it tough to convince the outgoing Barcelona manager to be at the helm of their affairs next season.
Also read: Patrick O’Connell: The Irishman who saved Barcelona
The heart of the matter
A number of big names and players have been linked with Inter Milan in the past few months. The Serie A side is set for a renaissance under a new board and owners and top of their priority list is getting a big name manager to attract the world class players. The Serie A giants have really struggled in the last few seasons and Sabatini is determined to make the Nerazzurri a force in Europe once again.
What’s next?
Luis Enrique will be keen to ensure that Barcelona end their season strongly. The Catalan giants are in with a chance of completing a domestic double once again and the Asturian will be hoping to sign off with a couple of trophies.
Also read: Reports: Barcelona interested in signing former player as long-term replacement for Busquets
Author’s take
Inter Milan want an experienced manager to lead their ambitious project and in Luis Enrique, they have a person capable of taking them to the zenith in European football once again. However, Enrique himself might have plenty of other offers already and it will be interesting to see if the Asturian does indeed end up managing the Serie A giants next season.