Barcelona have tonight appointed former player, Luis Enrique as their new manager.  

He will be the Catalan giants third manager in three seasons since Pep Guardiola departed at the end of the 2011/12 season.  The late Tito Vilanova had to leave after one season due to the battle with cancer that eventually took his life last month and Argentinian, Tata Martino left by mutual consent after Saturday's draw with Atletico Madrid that meant Atletico pipped Barca to the title.

As a player Luis Enrique made a controversial move to Barcelona from Real Madrid in 1996.  He became a legend at the Nou Camp scoring over 100 goals in all competitions and winning two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey's and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1997.  

His managerial career started at Barcelona B in 2008 taking over from Guardiola when he took over the first team job.  He had some success taking them to the Segunda before leaving in March 2011.  He then moved to Serie A to take over Roma but could only lead them to 7th place and left after one season.  His most recent job was back in La Liga with Celta Vigo where he led them to a 9th place finish which was their best season since they took 6th place in 2005/06.  

Luis Enrique will face a difficult start to his Barcelona tenure as the club look to be entering a transitional period.  Victor Valdes and Carlos Puyol have announced their departures and many have been critical of legendary midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta with some suggesting they are past their best.  He has already started the recovery with German goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen becoming his first signing tonight.  

There will be other changes this summer especially with the threat of a transfer embargo hanging over the club which is currently suspended until the appeal is heard.  To their credit the Barcelona hierarchy have acted swiftly to announce Luis Enrique within 48 hours of Martino's departure and the club legend can now get to work to restore Barcelona's status as one of the finest clubs in Europe. 

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About the author
Gerry Johnston
Cover Spanish and Italian football for VAVEL UK.