Barcelona striker Luis Suarez said that the squad was caught off guard by Luis Enrique’s decision of leaving the club at the end of the season.
Enrique told the dressing room he would not be renewing his contract beyond its June expiry following their 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon, which took them above Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
“To be honest it surprised us a little,” Suarez said. “We didn’t expect it, but it’s a decision which we understand and we accept. It’s understandable based on many things which have happened. His reason is more than acceptable because the role of a manager is really difficult, it takes a lot of hours of work. He needs to enjoy himself, too. We’ve got no problem accepting it.”
Midfielder Ivan Rakitic had also admitted that the squad was taken aback with the decision.
“I wasn’t expecting it, I thought he was going to stay. But the squad accept it and we wish him all the best,” Rakitic said. ”We want to finish the season successfully, enjoy what is left of it and bring him the most possible titles. He has all of our support and hopefully he has a happy conclusion to his time here.”
“Now, calmly and with everyone together, we are going to work so that he finishes in the best way possible. His decision is clear and now there is peace of mind. We really are with the boss completely,” the midfielder had further added.