BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona hired Luis Enrique as its new coach Monday, hoping the former player can help restore the club’s recent success following its first season in six years without a major trophy.
Barcelona said on its website that Enrique agreed to a two-year deal. He will replace Argentine coach Gerardo Martino, who stepped down Saturday immediately after the club failed to defend its Spanish league title.
Enrique, 44, is one of the few players to have had successful careers with both Real Madrid and Barcelona, having left the former in 1996 to join its archrival. He stayed at Barcelona until 2004.
Enrique had been widely expected to be appointed as the club’s new coach after stepping down from his position at Celta last week, and he will restore a line of in-house managers most recently continued by Pep Guaridola and Tito Vilanova.
Barcelona also said goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is joining the club from German side Borussia Monchengladbach to replace Victor Valdes, who is leaving on his own accord.
In other moves, Barcelona said it was bringing back forward Gerard Deulofeu from Everton and midfiedler Rafina Alcantara from Celta Vigo, after both young talents were loaned out last season to acquire playing experience.
The Catalan club also said goalkeeper Jose Pinto would not be returning next season.
Enrique will be presented Wednesday.
Have a soccer question? Send it to us via Twitter at @NESNsoccer, NESN Soccer’s Facebook page or send it here.
