|
Real Sociedad boss Eusebio Sacristan has said he would turn down the chance to succeed Luis Enrique as coach of Barcelona, where he spent seven years as a player. Eusebio is among four former Barcelona players shortlisted by El Mundo Deportivo to succeed Luis Enrique, who will step down at the end of the season. Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez told El Mundo Deportivo on Monday that no decision has been made as to who will guide the first team next season and said to the media and fans that they all "have to wait." Eusebio, who has said he has not been contacted by his former club for the coaching position, told AS newspaper: "I'm flattered that I'm considered as a future option for Barcelona. But it doesn't take a second of my focus on my day to day." An assistant to head coach Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona from 2003 until 2008, the 52-year-old Eusebio replaced Luis Enrique at the helm of Barcelona's reserves after the latter left for Roma in the summer of 2011. However, Eusebio has said that he is staying put. When asked if he will turn down Barca should they offer him the coaching position this summer, Eusebio said: "Yes, I can assure you. I'm 100 percent convinced about that. I don't see that possibility." Eusebio spent three-and-a-half years in charge of Barca's B team before being dismissed after poor results in February 2015. He was appointed coach of La Real eight months later and steered the team to a ninth-place finish in La Liga last season. "All that is happening now is thanks to a club, La Real, which after my four years with Barcelona's youth sector took an interest in me and took a chance on me," Eusebio said. "Barca didn't consider me when I was part of the club. That is what I would have liked. "I have to be committed to La Real after they believed in me and gave me a great opportunity." Eusebio, whose team is sixth in La Liga, signed a new contract earlier this year until June 2019 to remain at the helm of the San Sebastian-based club and the deal reportedly includes a release clause of €5 million. "All that I wanted, I have it here and I wish for it to continue for as long as possible," Eusebio said. "I have found the perfect balance between my personal and professional life and that is not easy. "For me it's not essential to be in a club that allows me to win titles more easily because I've already won those as a player and as an assistant. "For me what is more enriching is to do great things with La Real."
|
