Luis Enrique
A versatile player and manager who led Roma for one season before moving to Celta and Barcelona.
Luis Enrique managed AS Roma from June 2011 to the end of the 2011–12 season. The team lost their first domestic league game against Cagliari and was eliminated from the UEFA Europa League by Slovan Bratislava. He left at the end of that single campaign after failing to qualify for any European competition.
- Nationality
- Spanish
- Position (Player)
- Midfielder / Winger
- Major Club Successes
- FC Barcelona, PSG
Lore & Background
Luis Enrique joined Italian Serie A club Roma on June 8, 2011, signing a two-year contract with Iván de la Peña as his technical collaborator. His tenure was marked by an early domestic loss against Cagliari, the third time in 18 years the capital-based side lost their opener. They were knocked out of the UEFA Europa League by Slovan Bratislava following discussion over the substitution of Francesco Totti for Stefano Okaka. Despite having two years remaining on his contract, he departed at the season's end due to the failure to qualify for European competition.
In Their Own Story
On June 8, 2011, Luis Enrique agreed to become Roma's new head coach. He brought a staff of four members, including Iván de la Peña. The team struggled early, losing their first league match against Cagliari and getting eliminated from the UEFA Europa League by Slovan Bratislava. Although he held a two-year deal, his time in Rome ended after just one season when the club failed to secure a spot in European competition.
Reader's Guide
Luis Enrique's managerial stint at Roma began on June 8, 2011, with a two-year contract. He appointed Iván de la Peña as technical collaborator. The team faced immediate challenges, losing their first league game against Cagliari and exiting the UEFA Europa League to Slovan Bratislava. After a season that ended without European qualification, Enrique chose not to renew his contract and left the club.
Did You Know?
- During his time at Roma, the team lost their first league match against Cagliari, marking just the third such loss in 18 years.
- Roma was eliminated from the UEFA Europa League by Slovan Bratislava during Enrique's tenure.
- He signed a two-year contract with Roma but departed after one season despite having time remaining on the deal.
- Iván de la Peña joined Luis Enrique at Roma as a technical collaborator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Luis Enrique ever play for AS Roma?
No, Luis Enrique never played for AS Roma during his fifteen-year playing career between 1989 and 2004. His professional journey was defined by stints at clubs like FC Barcelona and PSG rather than the Italian capital.
What is Luis Enrique's role in football history?
He is celebrated as a Spanish midfielder who revolutionized playmaking with his technical brilliance before transitioning into management. As a coach, he is known for implementing possession-based attacking tactics that mirror his elegant style on the pitch.
Why do AS Roma fans respect Luis Enrique despite him never wearing the shirt?
Fans at the Stadio Olimpico admire his global stature and compare his midfield mastery to legendary Giallorossi players who have graced their team. His reputation as a tactical genius commands universal respect across European football, including in Rome.
What are Luis Enrique's major achievements as a player?
During his time as a winger and midfielder, he secured significant success with FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. These victories cemented his legacy as one of the most influential Spanish midfielders of his generation.
Is Luis Enrique currently active in football management?
Yes, he remains an active manager known for reshaping tactical thinking through his possession-oriented approach. His career continues to evolve as he leads teams with the same sharp strategic mind that defined his playing days.
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