‘Winning it for Luis Enrique’ would never have been the most obvious message to emerge from Barcelona’s dressing room in the last three years, but centre-back Gerard Pique insists that is the aim of his team-mates as they face Alaves in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final.
Enrique has been a divisive figure throughout his three years in charge at the Nou Camp, which will come to an end following tonight’s game with many fans more than happy to see him leave the club.
The former Spain international has been repeatedly accused of creating a hostile internal atmosphere and suffering from bad relationships with his star players – including Pique, who was unceremoniously dropped by Enrique for a lengthy period during his first season in charge.
But the outspoken defender was fulsome in his praise of the departing coach, saying: “Luis Enrique deserves a good final.
“He has been one of the best coaches in our history, and what better way to leave than with another title. I hope we achieve it.
“Maybe with you (journalists) he didn’t have the best relationship, but in the dressing room he ended up conquering us.
“They have been three magnificent years – for the titles, but also for many other things.”