Coach Enrique will take a year off after Barcelona stint

Barcelona April 4 (IANS) FC Barcelona chief coach Luis Enrique confirmed on Tuesday that he will take a one-year sabbatical after leaving his post as he needs to rest after three seasons with the Catalan football giants.

The coach announced a few weeks ago that he would not renew his contract at Barcelona. During a press conference on the eve of La Liga clash against Sevilla Luis Enrique acknowledged that he will leave Barcelona where he has incredible ties with the club s management and players because he needs to recover not to join another team reports Efe.

The coach refused to comment on reports claiming that his current assistant Juan Carlos Unzue may replace him at the bench from June 30.

The coach praised Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez saying we have to be grateful for the way he has adapted himself for the good of the team.

Enrique pointed out that midfielder Andres Iniesta had some bad luck due to injuries but he s back in top form and training fantastically.

--IANS
pur/vt