Former Spain and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has been named as the new manager of Paris St Germain following the sacking of Christophe Galtier.
The French club parted company with Galtier on Wednesday despite his success in leading them to a record 11th Ligue 1 title in his first season in charge.
Enrique, who had been out of work since stepping down from his role with Spain after last year’s World Cup, has signed a two-year deal.
A statement read: “Paris St Germain is pleased to announce the appointment of Luis Enrique as head coach of the professional team. The Spanish coach has signed a two-year contract.”
Galtier’s position had been the subject of speculation since PSG exited the Champions League at the last-16 stage.
His team went on to pip Lens to the domestic title by a single point but the 56-year-old’s eventual departure came as little surprise.
His exit and replacement by Enrique is not the only change at the club this summer with seven-time world player of the year Lionel Messi having also departed. The future of another star player, Neymar, is also uncertain.
Enrique, 53, will spearhead a renewed attempt to succeed on the European stage.
The Spaniard said: “I am delighted to arrive in Paris to live a new experience there. It’s so exciting to meet new people, to live in this city, to learn a new language and above all to coach PSG.”
Enrique stepped down as Spain coach after last year’s World Cup (Peter Byrne/PA)
Enrique, who had a distinguished playing career with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Spain, has also had spells coaching Roma and Celta Vigo.
He led Barca to the Champions League in 2015 and also won LaLiga twice with the Catalan giants before spending four years with the Spanish national side.
He is the fourth new coach at PSG in just over five years after Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pocehttino and Galtier.
PSG said in a statement: “At the end of the 2022-2023 season, Paris Saint-Germain informed Christophe Galtier of its decision to terminate his contract as first-team coach.”
Enrique said he was looking forward to the challenge as he was officially unveiled.
Kylian Mbappe has one year remaining on his PSG contract (Martin Rickett/PA)
He said: “I thank the president and the sporting director for their confidence and I hope to pay it back in the next seasons.
“My idea of football is of attacking football, a football that is enjoyable for the fans and, above all, a football that brings good results. That is my challenge. I believe the fans are going to love what they see.”
Enrique was presented to media by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who was also asked to clarify the club’s position on striker Kylian Mbappe.
The France forward is entering the final year of his contract and Al-Khelaifi insists the 24-year-old will not be allowed to run his deal down.
He said: “Our position is very clear. If Mbappe wants to stay, we want him to stay, but he should sign a new contract. We cannot allow him to go free.”
