Luis Enrique wants to manage Spain once Vicente Del Bosque retires after Euro 2016

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Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has stated that he would love to take over as Spain’s coach once Vicente del Bosque steps down from the position. Enrique was talking to the media in a weekly press conference where he expressed his desire to manage the national team, according to The Mirror. He has managed Barcelona B, Roma and Celta Vigo before taking the managerial job at Camp Nou.

“Yes, I would like to. I would like to a lot,” he responded to a question regarding stepping into Del Bosque’s shoes.

Lucho, as he is commonly kown, represented Spain 62 times in an 11-years international career. The former Barcelona B manager was not sure if he will continue with the club even after the famous treble winning season. But, the club obviously kept faith in him as he continued his managerial stint with the club he once played for.

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona player extended his contract with club in June which will keep him at the Catalan club till 30 June 30 2017. Enrique’s revelation has cast some serious doubts on whether he will carry on with the Blaugranas.

Del Bosque is tied with La Roja upto Euro 2016 in France next year. He is expected to step down from the job after the tournament. The former Real Madrid boss has been at the helm of Spanish national team since 2008 after he replaced Luis Aragones who had just helped the team to a Euro Cup triumph.

The shoes were really big to fill, but Del Bosque went on to win the World Cup in 2010 and defended the Euro title in 2012.

Though, Spain had a horrible campaign in Brazil where they were the defending champions, Del Bosque was trusted with the job for defending the Euro Cup in France. Thus far, Rayo Vallecano's Paco Jemez has been linked to the role. But Enrique’s revelation will only heat up the speculation market.

If Enrique leaves the Camp Nou club, they would be looking for their fourth manager in four years. After Pep Guardiola left in 2012, they have had Tito Vilanova (who couldn’t continue due to medical reasons) and Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino who lasted only one season before he was replaced following a trophyless season.

Barcelona are set to face Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou on Sunday with big names like Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta missing out through injuries.

About the author

Sankalp is a veteran European and international football writer at Sportskeeda. He has a total experience of 8 years, having previously worked for some top companies such as Wisden India and Fox Sports Asia. An engineer by qualification, Sankalp places a very high emphasis on accuracy by leaving no stone unturned in his research, and prides himself on showcasing the human aspect of the sporting world.

Sankalp has had the privilege of interviewing senior Indian cricketers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Chris Woakes in his experience so far. He has also covered various Indian and international matches, such as the 2019 ICC ODI World Cup when working for FOX.

Sankalp started following football after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup with his family. He is a die-hard Manchester United supporter, who started following the club due to David Beckham. His favorite manager is Sir Alex Ferguson and favorite player is Lionel Messi, both for setting unattainable benchmarks. He considers Barcelona’s incredible 6-1 second leg comeback win in the 2016-17 UCL against Paris Saint-Germain as one of the most iconic matches ever.

Along with European football, Sankalp also follows the Indian Super League. When not writing, Sankalp enjoys traveling and watching sports.

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Edited by Staff Editor