AFP, BARCELONA: Luis Enrique will take charge of Barcelona for the final time as coach in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Alaves, but refused to rule out a return to the club in the future on Friday.
Enrique can add a ninth title to a generally successful three-year spell in charge in the final competitive game at Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon this weekend.However, he revealed back in March that he would not seek to renew his contract as he needed a rest after being worn down by the unique pressures that come with being Barca boss.“Who knows if one day I could return to the club to coach Barca,” said Enrique.
“It is my home, my club, it’s where I’ve felt most comfortable as a player and a coach.”Enrique has though endured a tempestuous relationship with the media during his time in charge and joked his return could provoke “heart attacks” in the press pack.“Maybe I’ll come back here on July 10 and take you by surprise...that would cause a few heart attacks,” he added.Barca won’t be at full strength for the showpiece occasion as Luis Suarez and Sergi Roberto are both suspended after being sent-off in a bad-tempered semi-final, second leg against Atletico Madrid.