Former Spain and Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique is reportedly out of the race to become the new Chelsea manager.
The 52-year-old has been unemployed since leaving La Roja after an unfavorable 2022 World Cup campaign that saw Spain ousted in the round of 16 by Morocco.
Despite the dismal nature of Spain’s exit from Qatar, Enrique remains in high demand, and he was naturally linked with the Chelsea job following Graham Potter’s departure.
Enrique is thought to have been a top candidate on Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali’s shortlist, and it was reported earlier this month that he was the favourite to take over.
With Julian Nagelsmann withdrawing from the race last week, Enrique appears to have moved even higher up the owners’ list of managerial contenders as they cut down potential successors to Potter.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 52-year-old has withdrawn from contention to be the Blues’ next head coach, and the decision was taken by the club.
Luis Enrique, out of the race to become new Chelsea coach — no changes at all. It was decided on club side. 🔵⛔️ #CFC
Mauricio Pochettino remains favourite candidate as revealed on Friday after Nagelsmann situation changed.
More to follow on Poch soon. pic.twitter.com/g58vxVF0DB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 23, 2023
No reason has been revealed as to why Enrique is no longer considered a possibility for the post, as the ex-Barcelona and Real Madrid star looks for work elsewhere.
Enrique managed Celta Vigo and Roma before joining Barcelona in 2014, where he won nine championships, including a La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey treble in 2015.
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That same year, he was voted the World’s Best Club Coach, while also winning two more La Liga titles, two more Copa del Reys, one UEFA Super Cup, one Club World Cup, and one Supercopa de Espana with Barcelona.
Chelsea’s top candidate for manager is now believed to be Mauricio Pochettino, who was let go by Paris Saint-Germain last year and is open to returning to the Premier League.
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