A breakdown in relations behind the scenes has seen Luis Enrique reportedly take a step closer to leaving Barcelona at the end of the season, according to MARCA.
No talks are planned between coach and club before the spring despite his contract running out in June, but by then the situation could have worsened even further.
Radio MARCA revealed on Wednesday that a disintegrating relationship between the Blaugrana players and Luis Enrique has pushed the Asturian towards the exit door.
For instance, a number of senior players were unhappy with Luis Enrique’s lack of support for Gerard Pique amid the defender’s public feud with LaLiga referees.
The future of certain Barcelona players has also been put in doubt whilst the coach’s future is sorted out, although it is still not yet certain whether Luis Enrique will leave the Camp Nou at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Ivan Rakitic has moved to end speculation over his Barcelona future by declaring he would “throw himself off a bridge” for Camp Nou boss Luis Enrique.
The former Sevilla man has been recently linked with a move to Manchester City, having previously voiced his admiration for the Premier League side’s ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola, but was rapturously received at Camp Nou when he came on as a substitute during Saturday’s 5-0 demolition of Las Palmas.
And, in an interview with Football France, Rakitic insisted talk of a rift between himself and Luis Enrique could not be further from the truth.
“Luis Enrique has helped me enormously, giving me confidence straight away [after joining Barcelona in 2014], as did my team-mates, which enabled me to work calmly.
“It was Luis Enrique who asked the club to sign me.
“If I had to throw myself off a bridge for him, I would do it without hesitation. With just a look or a smile, he gives you the confidence necessary to succeed.”
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