'LUCHO' REVEALED THE CONTACT BETWEEN BARÇA AND HIS AGENT
Luis Enrique makes it clear that Barcelona looked for him as a possible successor to Xavi Hernández
Published:25/09/2024 - 21:00h
Updated:25/09/2024 - 21:00h
Could Luis Enrique have faced a second cycle at FC Barcelona? Everything indicates that yes, at least that's how Barça tried. However, the Asturian revealed the reason why this union did not come to fruition, despite being a free agent
If there's one thing that distinguishes Luis Enrique, it's his ability to express his opinion on any situation without holding back, sometimes in a humorous manner and other times in a sharp tone. The Asturian will showcase a new facet in a documentary that will be aired next Monday on 'Movistar+' titled "You Have No F***ing Idea". This docuseries will reveal part of his day-to-day work as the coach of Paris Saint-Germain and will address topics about his personal life.
In a teaser of this documentary, it can be seen how 'Lucho' talks on more than one occasion about FC Barcelona. One of the highlights is his statement regarding his potential involvement with the club as the successor to Xavi Hernández after the 2022/23 season, when he was still without a team following his stint with the Spanish national team.
"They called 'Calvo' [Iván de la Peña]. I told him: 'Ask them, if Xavi wins the League and the Cup, will they get rid of him?' I already knew the answer...", pointed out Luis Enrique.
Unsure about Xavi's departure, Luis Enrique chose to accept the sports project of Paris Saint-Germain, where he was appointed as the coach on July 5, 2023. After his first season (2023/24), he is now heading into his second season as the manager of the French team, with good prospects that could lead to an extension of his contract beyond June 30, 2025.
His Desire to Avoid Facing FC Barcelona as a Rival Again
In another context, in a preview of the docuseries, Luis Enrique mentions the mixed feelings he had when facing FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League 2023/24. "It was emotional, returning home to face the club that has given me everything. A horrible feeling, also for my family. I hope not to play against 'It was emotional, returning home to face the club that has given me everything. A horrible feeling, also for my family. I hope not to play against Barça again, except in a final," he added.
Finally, regarding the quarter-final tie against the Catalan club, Luis Enrique emphasized that despite the 1-4 defeat in the first leg, he never felt outplayed. "Barça was not better. False. Completely false. It was all long balls. Call it the third man if you are a follower of Xavi. An analyst will tell you it was long ball like Eibar. Ter Stegen set a record: 24 long balls," he concluded.
