Spain manager Luis Enrique has hinted he could return as Barcelona boss.
Enrique was manager of the Catalan giants for three trophy-laden seasons between 2014 and 2017, famously winning the treble in his first campaign.
After leading Barca to the Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey in that first season, Enrique went on to win the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.
And in a Q&A with fans on Friday, the former Barcelona midfielder hailed his “marvellous” time at the club, and said the door was open for him to return one day.
“I think I can coach anywhere I’ve been [before],” said the 49-year-old, in quotes reported by Barcelona fan site Barcablaugranes.
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“I’ve left the doors open at all of them. My time at Barcelona was marvellous and I’ll always be grateful.
“I am very lucky to have been in a club for so many years that gave me everything.”
The outspoken statement from club legend Enrique piles the pressure on current Barcelona boss Quique Setien, who took over as manager in January after Ernesto Valverde was sacked.
With the La Liga season suspended amid the cornavirus pandemic, Barca are currently second in the table, two points behind Real Madrid after losing to their fierce rivals at the beginning of March.
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Barca’s Champions League fate also hangs in the balance, with Setien’s side having drawn 1-1 away to Napoli in the first leg of their last-16 clash last month.
It is not yet known when – or if – the Champions League will resume with football currently in limbo across Europe.
Enrique took over as Spain boss in 2018, having left Camp Nou the year before.
He stepped down from the role as national team boss in June last year to care for his nine-year-old daughter Xana, who tragically died of bone cancer in August.
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After Roberto Moreno took charge in his absence and led Spain to Euro 2020 qualification, Enrique then resumed his role in November.
Enrique played for Barcelona between 1996 and 2004, helping the Camp Nou side to two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey triumphs and a UEFA Cup Winners Cup success, as well the UEFA Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.
Before joining Barca he played for Real Madrid, where he also won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
