Barcelona Appoint Luis Enrique as New Manager

Barcelona have officially announced the appointment of Luis Enrique as their new first team manager.

The 44-year-old Spaniard, who managed Barcelona B from 2008 to2011, signed a two-year contract with the Catalans after leaving his managerial position at Celta Vigo a week earlier.

Enrique's appointment was backed by Barcelona's Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, who believes the Spaniard is the right man for the job.

"The FC Barcelona Board of Directors have this evening confirmed Luis Enrique Martíneza the new first team coach, following a proposal from Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta. Luis Enrique, 44 , will sign a two year deal," read a statement in the club's official website.

Enrique succeeds Gerardo Martino, who recently left the club on mutual consent after failing to win any major trophy.

The 51-year-old Argentinean boss, who was appointed as the Catalan club's head coach only last summer, endured a difficult campaign as Barcelona were not able to do well in the La Liga as well as other competitions.

Martino was unable to follow in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova, who recently died from cancer, as he failed to deliver a single piece of silverware this season despite signing the likes of Neymar.

Barcelona fans will be hoping Enrique, who helped Celta Vigo finish ninth in the La Liga, will help the club do much better next season.

Enrique has a very good track record with Barcelona as he helped the Catalan club's B side seal promotion in the Spanish second division with record points for the first time in 11 years.

The former Roma boss was also a very popular figure at the club during his playing career. The midfielder played at Barcelona for eight years after moving to the Nou Camp from Real Madrid in 1996. His technical skills, versatility and ability to score brilliant goals soon made him a fan favourite as well as an important member of the squad.

Enrique, who helped Barcelona win two La Liga titles, two Copa Del Rey crowns, a European Cup Winners Cup and a European Super Cup during his time at the club, made 300 appearances for the Catalans, scoring 109 goals.

Enrique had the honour of captaining Barcelona from 2002 to 2004 before finally ending his playing career.