© EuroFootball.com
Luis Enrique officially introduced as the new head coach of Barcelona.
On Wednesday, the 44-year-old football specialist and president of the Catalan club Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed a two-year contract with their signatures.
After signing the contract, the first photo session and press conference with Luis Enrique took place.
"We are delighted that our good friend has returned home. We know very well that Luis values hard work and is capable of making tough decisions. This gives us optimism. I always thought that when he left the youth team coaching position, the words 'see you later' were more fitting than 'goodbye'. Welcome back!" - this is how the Barcelona president introduced the coach.
Luis Enrique himself openly admitted that he hardly believed he is now the coach of Barcelona.
"I thank the club for their trust. Today is a special day for me. Today we start building a new team, a new Barcelona. Important decisions are ahead. However, I must say that I never thought I would become the head coach of Barcelona. Now I am looking forward to hearing the club anthem in the stadium," said the former player from the region of Asturias who defended the honor of Barcelona for eight years.
"Being a head coach does not just mean arranging starting lineups. It is working with the team as a collective and with each player individually, motivating them," explained the Spaniard.
By the way, Luis Enrique confirmed that he decided to leave the Celta team from Vigo before receiving an offer from Catalonia.
"How will Barcelona play? We will attack. I want the team to play attractive football that pleases the eye. The kind of football that millions of fans around the world love," emphasized the coach.
The new strategist reiterated what the team leaders said earlier about changes in the team: "Yes, there will be changes, and we will strengthen the team. If possible, in all positions."
The coach did not want to engage in discussions about specific players, but praised Lionel Messi, Neymar, Xavi, and Javier Mascherano.
By the way, when talking about L. Messi, Luis Enrique noted that the Argentine did not play as well in the last season as many are used to thinking, but he assured that both he and the team will do everything for the team leader to shine brightly again.
The strategist also admitted that he likes to give opportunities to young players to show their abilities, and he has no intention of abandoning this principle.
"I like to rely on academy players, and all doors are open to them, but they will have to work hard and be ambitious. Everything is in their hands," assured the coach.
Luis Enrique philosophically answered a question about how he plans to solve the team's defensive problems: "If you want to defend well, you need to control the ball. It's even better to control it on the opponent's half of the field."
During the press conference, Barcelona's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta announced that the former team manager Gerardo Martino informed about his decision to step down from his duties much earlier than the end of the season in Spain.
"We respect his choice," concluded one of the leaders of the Catalan club.
Zubizarreta also confirmed that on Thursday, Barcelona fans will be presented with the first team purchase - 22-year-old goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
