As the pandemonium surrounding the recent news that Arsene Wenger will be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season calms down, interest now turns to who will be filling the shoes of the revered manager who served the North London club for 22 years.
And straight out the traps is French outlet L'Equipe. The publication reports that Arsenal are locked in advanced negotiations with former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique.
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Enrique is most famous for his stint as Barcelona manager for three years, but he spent time with Barcelona B, AS Roma and Celta de Vigo before then.
With Forza Roma, the 47-year-old an underwhelming time, ending the club's 18-year-old record of not losing on the opening day, getting knocked out the Europa League prematurely and failing to qualify for Europe the same year. He left at the end of his first season despite having two years remaining on his contract.
With Vigo, the former Barca attacker led the side to an impressive ninth-place finish but again decided to leave the club.
And what did he achieve at an already great Barca side? Enrique's predecessor seemed to do everything right except win a major trophy. He left as a result.
Indeed, Enrique had an advantage when he took over. Pep Guardiola's print was still stamped into Barcelona's style of play and a majority of the same majestic players remained.
Even still, Enrique's time at Barcelona saw them win nine major trophies, including three Copa del Reys, two La-Ligas a Champions League. He left with a 76.2%-win-record.
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Incorporating a decent squad and being handed a significant war chest tends to soften a manager's image as a great. There's the sentiment that the best managers are the ones who prevail with their back on the ropes.
Certainly, Enrique cannot claim to be one of those, but by no means is he terrible option for the Gunner's hierarchy to muse over.
Topics: Football News, Luis Enrique, FC Barcelona, Football, Barcelona, Arsene Wenger, Arsenal, Barca