Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
Huntelaar: I can play alongside Van Persie
Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is eager to partner Robin van Persie up front for Netherlands at this summer's World Cup.
The Manchester United man has been national team coach Louis van Gaal's first choice for the No.9 position ever since he took charge of the 2010 World Cup runners-up some two years ago.
However, the recent change from a 4-3-3 formation to a 5-3-2 opens the door for a second forward and Huntelaar is confident that he's compatible with Van Persie.
"I just hope that I can play as much as possible. Van Persie obviously operates as a forward too, but I don’t think it necessarily has to be a direct duel between the two of us," Huntelaar told fifa.com.
"It's equally feasible for our team to line up in a formation that accommodates two forwards, for example."
Netherlands meet Spain, Chile and Australia in Group B, but Huntelaar is confident the Dutch will make it to the knockout stages, although he stressed that they should not look too far ahead.
"Of course, I believe in my team and I’m convinced that we can make it to the latter stages in Brazil. Having said that, we've got some very strong opponents in our group and so we need to give 100 per cent in each game.
"Of course, the ideal scenario would be to return home as winners, but it’s important we don’t look too far ahead. We need to just focus our attention on the group stages and take things one step at a time."
The Schalke hitman then went on to stress that he sees Brazil and Argentina as the favourites to win this summer's tournament.
"Brazil and Argentina [are my favourites]. Both countries have strong teams full of outstanding players.
"They won’t need to adapt to the South American climate either. Other teams, such as those from Europe for example, will first have to get used to the conditions and this could have a slight impact on their performances."
Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is eager to partner Robin van Persie up front for Netherlands at this summer's World Cup.
The Manchester United man has been national team coach Louis van Gaal's first choice for the No.9 position ever since he took charge of the 2010 World Cup runners-up some two years ago.
However, the recent change from a 4-3-3 formation to a 5-3-2 opens the door for a second forward and Huntelaar is confident that he's compatible with Van Persie.
"I just hope that I can play as much as possible. Van Persie obviously operates as a forward too, but I don’t think it necessarily has to be a direct duel between the two of us," Huntelaar told fifa.com.
"It's equally feasible for our team to line up in a formation that accommodates two forwards, for example."
Netherlands meet Spain, Chile and Australia in Group B, but Huntelaar is confident the Dutch will make it to the knockout stages, although he stressed that they should not look too far ahead.
"Of course, I believe in my team and I’m convinced that we can make it to the latter stages in Brazil. Having said that, we've got some very strong opponents in our group and so we need to give 100 per cent in each game.
"Of course, the ideal scenario would be to return home as winners, but it’s important we don’t look too far ahead. We need to just focus our attention on the group stages and take things one step at a time."
The Schalke hitman then went on to stress that he sees Brazil and Argentina as the favourites to win this summer's tournament.
"Brazil and Argentina [are my favourites]. Both countries have strong teams full of outstanding players.
"They won’t need to adapt to the South American climate either. Other teams, such as those from Europe for example, will first have to get used to the conditions and this could have a slight impact on their performances."
Ronaldo and Suarez joint Golden Shoe winners
Liverpool star Luis Suarez and Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo are joint winners of the European Golden Shoe this season after scoring 31 goals each in the Premier League and La Liga respectively.
Last year's winner Lionel Messi has to settle for third spot this campaign following his 28 goals for Barcelona in 2013-14.
Suarez was in danger of missing out on the prestigious individual award as Ronaldo still had one game to add to his tally at the weekend, but the Portuguese forward eventually missed his side's victory over Espanyol due to injury.
Both Messi and fourth-placed Diego Costa failed to find the net in Barca's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, while Torino star Ciro Immobile did not score either in his side's 2-2 draw against Fiorentina.
Red Bull Salzburg forward Jonatan Soriano and Heerenveen striker Alfred Finnbogason are the only players from outside Europe's top five leagues to make the top 10, while Manchester City's Yaya Toure is the only midfielder in there after scoring an impressive 20 goals for the Premier League champions.
Players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexis Sanchez, Carlos Tevez and Mario Mandzukic all nearly missed out on a spot among Europe's 10 best goalscorers.
History & How It Works
Players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and Diego Forlan have won the European Golden Shoe in the past few seasons, with the Argentina international as the latest winner of the award following his 46 goals in 2012-13.
Other noteworthy winners include the likes of Francesco Totti, Luca Toni, Ronaldo, Marco van Basten, Eusebio and Gerd Muller.
The weightings are determined by the league's ranking on the Uefa coefficients, which in turn depend on the results of each league's clubs in European competition over the previous five seasons. Goals scored in the top five leagues according to the Uefa coefficients are multiplied by a factor of two, and goals scored in the leagues ranked six to 21 are multiplied by 1.5. Goals in all other leagues are worth one single point.
This measure has prevented players from so-called weaker leagues from winning the European Golden Shoe, since a goal scored in, for example, Armenia, Estonia or Azerbaijan, carries less weight than a goal scored in Serie A, La Liga, the Bundesliga or the Premier League.
Wenger to finally sign new Arsenal deal
Arsene Wenger will end his long-running contract saga this week by finally signing a new Arsenal deal.
Wenger, who turns 65 in October, is poised to put pen to paper on what is expected to be his final contract before he retires.
Arsenal will present the £7.5million-a-year agreement as a three-year deal to bring an end to the uncertainty that has engulfed the club in recent months.
Wenger, who will be handed the biggest transfer kitty in Arsenal’s history this summer, has decided to stay after meeting the targets he had set himself of winning the FA Cup and securing a top-four Premier League finish.
He had wavered during a series of marquee-match setbacks as Arsenal’s league challenge faltered but a strong finished to the campaign has convinced him to stay on and have another crack at winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
The Gunners’ longest-serving manager had retained the backing of senior club figures, led by American owner Stan Kroenke, throughout some difficult times during the last 18 months.
Wenger agreed a two-year contract extension with the club as far back as last October but the club have decided to add another 12 months to the new deal to prevent another contract furore in 2016.
Intriguingly, most of Wenger’s backroom staff will be handed two-year contracts by the club, including Boro Primorac, assistant manager Steve Bould, first-team coach Neil Banfield, goalkeeper coach Gerry Peyton and fitness coach Tony Colbert.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis said in January that the hierarchy were “comfortable and relaxed” about the fact the manager’s deal was due to expire in the summer. “Arsene will be extending with us. And at the right time we will make that announcement," said Gazidis.
There have been a series of occasions in the last six months when there has been a signal from within the club that Wenger was about to formally sign the new contract that remained on the table.
But each time the manager made a U-turn and put his future beyond this season on hold.
Those closest to Wenger had remained in the dark about the manager’s intentions following a series of catastrophic performances which had left Arsenal’s attempts to qualify for the Champions League in major jeopardy.
However, Wenger has been satisfied by the team’s finish to a topsy-turvy campaign in which Arsenal led the league for longer than any other club and he will commit to a new contract now that his ambitions have been met.
Arsene Wenger will end his long-running contract saga this week by finally signing a new Arsenal deal.
Wenger, who turns 65 in October, is poised to put pen to paper on what is expected to be his final contract before he retires.
Arsenal will present the £7.5million-a-year agreement as a three-year deal to bring an end to the uncertainty that has engulfed the club in recent months.
Wenger, who will be handed the biggest transfer kitty in Arsenal’s history this summer, has decided to stay after meeting the targets he had set himself of winning the FA Cup and securing a top-four Premier League finish.
He had wavered during a series of marquee-match setbacks as Arsenal’s league challenge faltered but a strong finished to the campaign has convinced him to stay on and have another crack at winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
The Gunners’ longest-serving manager had retained the backing of senior club figures, led by American owner Stan Kroenke, throughout some difficult times during the last 18 months.
Wenger agreed a two-year contract extension with the club as far back as last October but the club have decided to add another 12 months to the new deal to prevent another contract furore in 2016.
Intriguingly, most of Wenger’s backroom staff will be handed two-year contracts by the club, including Boro Primorac, assistant manager Steve Bould, first-team coach Neil Banfield, goalkeeper coach Gerry Peyton and fitness coach Tony Colbert.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis said in January that the hierarchy were “comfortable and relaxed” about the fact the manager’s deal was due to expire in the summer. “Arsene will be extending with us. And at the right time we will make that announcement," said Gazidis.
There have been a series of occasions in the last six months when there has been a signal from within the club that Wenger was about to formally sign the new contract that remained on the table.
But each time the manager made a U-turn and put his future beyond this season on hold.
Those closest to Wenger had remained in the dark about the manager’s intentions following a series of catastrophic performances which had left Arsenal’s attempts to qualify for the Champions League in major jeopardy.
However, Wenger has been satisfied by the team’s finish to a topsy-turvy campaign in which Arsenal led the league for longer than any other club and he will commit to a new contract now that his ambitions have been met.
Barcelona sign Ter Stegen from Borussia Monchengladbach
Barcelona have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Germany international announced in January that he would not be renewing his deal with the Bundesliga club and has long been tipped to replace Victor Valdes, who is set to leave Camp Nou this summer.
Ter Stegen's prospective move to Spain was thrown into doubt when Barcelona were handed a two-window transfer ban in April for breaching rules over the signing of international players under the age of 18, but the suspension was subsequently put on hold.
Confirmation of Ter Stegen's arrival was announced on the same day as Luis Enrique's appointment as Barcelona's new coach.
The Liga club have also revealed that Jose Manuel Pinto, who served as first-choice keeper following a season-ending knee injury to Valdes in March, will not have his contract renewed, while Rafinha and Gerard Deulofeu have returned from respective loan spells with Celta Vigo and Everton.
Deulofeu made 29 appearances for Roberto Martinez's side, scoring four goals, while attacking midfielder Rafinha, the younger brother of former Barcelona playmaker Thiago Alcantara, impressed at Celta under Luis Enrique this season, making 32 La Liga appearances.
Barcelona have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Germany international announced in January that he would not be renewing his deal with the Bundesliga club and has long been tipped to replace Victor Valdes, who is set to leave Camp Nou this summer.
Ter Stegen's prospective move to Spain was thrown into doubt when Barcelona were handed a two-window transfer ban in April for breaching rules over the signing of international players under the age of 18, but the suspension was subsequently put on hold.
Confirmation of Ter Stegen's arrival was announced on the same day as Luis Enrique's appointment as Barcelona's new coach.
The Liga club have also revealed that Jose Manuel Pinto, who served as first-choice keeper following a season-ending knee injury to Valdes in March, will not have his contract renewed, while Rafinha and Gerard Deulofeu have returned from respective loan spells with Celta Vigo and Everton.
Deulofeu made 29 appearances for Roberto Martinez's side, scoring four goals, while attacking midfielder Rafinha, the younger brother of former Barcelona playmaker Thiago Alcantara, impressed at Celta under Luis Enrique this season, making 32 La Liga appearances.
Agger frustrated at Liverpool: I'm no-one's third choice
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has voiced his frustration at failing to nail down a regular starting place under Brendan Rodgers this season.
While the club challenged for the Premier League title, the Denmark international was often overlooked for a starting spot in favour of Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel, stating Rodgers did not feel he was "good enough".
Agger stopped short of confirming any plans to leave Anfield the summer but warned he would not be content to be a substitute next season.
Asked about being benched for the crucial late fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City, he told Ekstra Bladet: "It definitely wasn't great. But I don't make the decisions. I think it is because the manager doesn't think that I'm good enough.
"[My future at Liverpool is] up to the manager. I can't go and put myself on the team sheet.
"I'm no-one's third choice."
Agger moved to Liverpool in 2006 from Brondby and has made 232 appearances during his time with the club - winning the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup.
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has voiced his frustration at failing to nail down a regular starting place under Brendan Rodgers this season.
While the club challenged for the Premier League title, the Denmark international was often overlooked for a starting spot in favour of Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel, stating Rodgers did not feel he was "good enough".
Agger stopped short of confirming any plans to leave Anfield the summer but warned he would not be content to be a substitute next season.
Asked about being benched for the crucial late fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City, he told Ekstra Bladet: "It definitely wasn't great. But I don't make the decisions. I think it is because the manager doesn't think that I'm good enough.
"[My future at Liverpool is] up to the manager. I can't go and put myself on the team sheet.
"I'm no-one's third choice."
Agger moved to Liverpool in 2006 from Brondby and has made 232 appearances during his time with the club - winning the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup.
Ibe eager to follow Sterling's lead into Liverpool first team
Jordon Ibe is eager to follow in the footsteps of Raheem Sterling and establish himself in Liverpool's first-team squad.
The 18-year-old made his senior debut for Brendan Rodgers' team on the final day of the 2012-13 season, but did not feature in the Premier League this term.
By contrast, Sterling - who is exactly one year older than Ibe - has grown into a key member of the squad and was rewarded for his form in the second half of the season with a place in England's World Cup squad.
"Raheem has done extremely well - he's kicked on to another level this season," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"I'm really happy for him and hopefully he can continue playing at that level with Liverpool and with England.
"He's someone I look up to, definitely. He plays in a similar position and he's a similar age. He's someone I watch in training and try to learn from the way he plays.
"I watch Raheem, Daniel Sturridge and the other attacking players in training. I just try to learn from them, improve myself and hopefully, if and when I get my chance in the first team, I will be ready to take it."
Jordon Ibe is eager to follow in the footsteps of Raheem Sterling and establish himself in Liverpool's first-team squad.
The 18-year-old made his senior debut for Brendan Rodgers' team on the final day of the 2012-13 season, but did not feature in the Premier League this term.
By contrast, Sterling - who is exactly one year older than Ibe - has grown into a key member of the squad and was rewarded for his form in the second half of the season with a place in England's World Cup squad.
"Raheem has done extremely well - he's kicked on to another level this season," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"I'm really happy for him and hopefully he can continue playing at that level with Liverpool and with England.
"He's someone I look up to, definitely. He plays in a similar position and he's a similar age. He's someone I watch in training and try to learn from the way he plays.
"I watch Raheem, Daniel Sturridge and the other attacking players in training. I just try to learn from them, improve myself and hopefully, if and when I get my chance in the first team, I will be ready to take it."
Official: Van Gaal named as new Manchester United manager
Louis van Gaal has been confirmed as the new manager of Manchester United, with Ryan Giggs named his assistant.
The Dutchman will begin a three-year contract at Old Trafford after the conclusion of his work in charge of Netherlands at the World Cup.
Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout, countrymen of Van Gaal, also arrive at Old Trafford as coaches, with the former specialising in goalkeeping and the latter in scouting the opposition.
As reported by Goal, Van Gaal told friends that he was "very keen" on taking over at United following the sacking of David Moyes in April.
The Dutchman agreed a deal in principle with the club on April 26 but an official announcement was delayed to work around his commitments with the Dutch national team.
"To work as a manager for Manchester United, the biggest club in the world, makes me very proud," Van Gaal said.
"This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions. Together I'm sure we will make history."
"In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today," United's chief executive, Ed Woodward, said in a statement.
"He has achieved many things in his career to date and Old Trafford provides him with a fitting stage on which to write new chapters in the Manchester United story.
"Everyone is very excited about this new phase in the club's history. His track record of success in winning leagues and cups across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice for us."
The appointment of Giggs as Van Gaal's No.2 fits the incoming manager's desire for an ally on the coaching staff who knows the club well, as explained by Goal earlier in May.
Patrick Kliuvert had been expected to follow Van Gaal to England, but it was decided earlier in May that the former Barcelona striker would not make the move to Old Trafford.
"I am thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager," the Welshman enthused. "Louis van Gaal is a world-class coach and I know I will learn a lot about coaching from being able to observe and contribute at such close quarters.
"Manchester United has been a huge part of my life and I'm delighted to be able to continue that relationship in such a key role."
Congratulations & Good Luck Van Gaal!
LVG gen loku deyak balaporotthu wenawa
1st Onema team 1kak ekka compete karanna puluwan wena squad 1kak hadaganna oneEwagema thamai worldclass playerla set 1kak aniwa one doubt 1kak thiyaganna bari wena
Kiyana widiyatanam £200m have.Anyway ayeth Manchester United kalin thibba thanata LVG ta ganna puluwan wei kiyala hithanawa
LVG gen loku deyak balaporotthu wenawa
1st Onema team 1kak ekka compete karanna puluwan wena squad 1kak hadaganna oneEwagema thamai worldclass playerla set 1kak aniwa one doubt 1kak thiyaganna bari wenaKiyana widiyatanam £200m have.Anyway ayeth Manchester United kalin thibba thanata LVG ta ganna puluwan wei kiyala hithanawa
Manchester United confirmed the appointment of Louis van Gaal as manager on Monday.
The 62-year-old will take charge ahead of the 2014-15 Premier League season following the end of the Netherlands' involvement in the World Cup.
Ryan Giggs will remain at Old Trafford as Van Gaal's assistant manager after taking charge on an interim basis following the sacking of David Moyes.
Van Gaal, Giggs, Ed Woodward and club owners the Glazers have had their say on the appointment, and the Dutchman is keen to "make history" at Old Trafford.
"It was always a wish for me to work in the Premier League. To work as a manager for Manchester United, the biggest club in the world, makes me very proud. I have managed in games at Old Trafford before and know what an incredible arena Old Trafford is and how passionate and knowledgeable the fans are. This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions. Together I'm sure we will make history."
Ryan Giggs, assistant manager"I am thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager. Louis van Gaal is a world-class coach and I know I will learn a lot about coaching from being able to observe and contribute at such close quarters. Manchester United has been a huge part of my life and I'm delighted to be able to continue that relationship in such a key role."
"In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today. He has achieved many things in his career to date and Old Trafford provides him with a fitting stage on which to write new chapters in the Manchester United story.
"Everyone is very excited about this new phase in the club's history. His track record of success in winning leagues and cups across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice for us.
"People know him as a larger than life character but I have also been extremely impressed by his intelligence, thoughtful approach to the role and his diligence. I'm looking forward to working with him.
"I'm delighted that Louis has chosen Ryan as his assistant. Ryan's association with the club spans over two decades and his knowledge and stature will be of great use to Louis. In addition, this is a fantastic opportunity for Ryan to learn his trade alongside a world-class manager whose attacking instincts and belief in youth are tailor-made for Manchester United.”
"I am delighted that Louis will be our next manager. He has an outstanding pedigree as a coach, both as a man who motivates his teams to win trophies and as someone who believes in giving young players a chance to prove their worth. I am sure he will make a big impression on the club, the players and the fans."
"Louis joins us at an exciting time and has already communicated some great ideas for how the club can move forward. The board is right behind him in his plans and everyone here is already looking forward to the start of next season.”
Mourinho welcomes 'great guy' Van Gaal to Premier League
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has already welcomed new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal to the Premier League.
Van Gaal will take charge at Old Trafford following the conclusion of the Netherlands' involvement in the World Cup this summer.
And, speaking at a press conference for the UN World Food Programme having been named an ambassador for the initiative, Mourinho was quick to praise the Dutchman, describing him as a "great guy."
"[He is] a great man," Mourinho said at a press conference for the UN World Food Programme. "Obviously, [he is] a great football manager and I'm happy that he joins me in the same country and in the Premier League.
"but more important than that is he is a great guy and I wish him good."
Van Gaal's appointment was followed by the announcement that Ryan Giggs has retired from playing to take up the assistant manager's role at Old Trafford.
If the Netherlands progress to the final in Brazil, Van Gaal will not arrive in Manchester until after July 13, but failure to progress beyond the group stages would allow the Dutchman to take the reins following their final group stage clash with Chile on June 23.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has already welcomed new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal to the Premier League.
Van Gaal will take charge at Old Trafford following the conclusion of the Netherlands' involvement in the World Cup this summer.
And, speaking at a press conference for the UN World Food Programme having been named an ambassador for the initiative, Mourinho was quick to praise the Dutchman, describing him as a "great guy."
"[He is] a great man," Mourinho said at a press conference for the UN World Food Programme. "Obviously, [he is] a great football manager and I'm happy that he joins me in the same country and in the Premier League.
"but more important than that is he is a great guy and I wish him good."
Van Gaal's appointment was followed by the announcement that Ryan Giggs has retired from playing to take up the assistant manager's role at Old Trafford.
If the Netherlands progress to the final in Brazil, Van Gaal will not arrive in Manchester until after July 13, but failure to progress beyond the group stages would allow the Dutchman to take the reins following their final group stage clash with Chile on June 23.
Van Gaal: Van Persie is my captain
Manchester United manager-to-be Louis van Gaal has given a clear indication that Robin van Persie will be handed the captain's armband when he takes over at Old Trafford.
The striker has been Netherlands skipper for the past year and a half and demonstrated his authority with a brilliant volley in his country's 1-1 draw with Ecuador earlier this week.
And Van Gaal later claimed that he and his star man are on the same wavelength, both on and off the pitch.
"He is my captain," he said. "He is my top scorer in the one-and-a-half years that he has played under me. He became all-time top scorer of the Dutch team, he plays superb football and even coming back from a bad injury, he scores a fantastic, unbelievable goal.
"I was happy with his performance, but he is also a fantastic captain. I think you always make a player captain when you have the same morals and philosophy.
"Not only about football and tactics and what is happening on the pitch but about life. I think that’s very important and I believe that Van Persie and Van Gaal share the same philosophy."
Van Persie refused to be drawn on the identity of David Moyes' successor at Old Trafford but did suggest that the future at the club is bright, despite this season's seventh-placed finish.
"I followed everything from a distance, as the club had allowed me to do my rehab in Holland,” he said. “It was good to have some distance because it has been a tough year.
"For the first time in my career, I won’t be playing in Europe.
"It was a huge difference between this season and the last one, but it’s our job to switch a button now. Everything is going to be all right with the club."
Van Gaal could be announced as United boss over the coming days.
Manchester United manager-to-be Louis van Gaal has given a clear indication that Robin van Persie will be handed the captain's armband when he takes over at Old Trafford.
The striker has been Netherlands skipper for the past year and a half and demonstrated his authority with a brilliant volley in his country's 1-1 draw with Ecuador earlier this week.
And Van Gaal later claimed that he and his star man are on the same wavelength, both on and off the pitch.
"He is my captain," he said. "He is my top scorer in the one-and-a-half years that he has played under me. He became all-time top scorer of the Dutch team, he plays superb football and even coming back from a bad injury, he scores a fantastic, unbelievable goal.
"I was happy with his performance, but he is also a fantastic captain. I think you always make a player captain when you have the same morals and philosophy.
"Not only about football and tactics and what is happening on the pitch but about life. I think that’s very important and I believe that Van Persie and Van Gaal share the same philosophy."
Van Persie refused to be drawn on the identity of David Moyes' successor at Old Trafford but did suggest that the future at the club is bright, despite this season's seventh-placed finish.
"I followed everything from a distance, as the club had allowed me to do my rehab in Holland,” he said. “It was good to have some distance because it has been a tough year.
"For the first time in my career, I won’t be playing in Europe.
"It was a huge difference between this season and the last one, but it’s our job to switch a button now. Everything is going to be all right with the club."
Van Gaal could be announced as United boss over the coming days.
Barcelona confirm Luis Enrique as coach
Barcelona have confirmed the appointment of Luis Enrique as their new coach on a two-year contract.
The ex-Spain international, who spent eight seasons at Camp Nou as a player and another three in charge of the club's B team, takes over from Gerardo Martino, who stepped down after the Blaugrana were dethroned as Liga champions following a 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Luis Enrique met Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta at his home in Gava earlier this month and his move was a formality as soon as he stepped down as Celta boss on Friday.
"The FC Barcelona Board of Directors have this evening confirmed Luis Enrique Martinez as the new first team coach, following a proposal from sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta," a short statement read on Monday.
"Luis Enrique, 44, will sign a two-year deal."
The former midfield ace joined Barca from great rivals Real Madrid in 1996 and went on to establish himself as a firm favourite with the Camp Nou crowd, winning two Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and a Uefa Cup Winners' Cup before retiring in 2004.
Luis Enrique rejoined the club as a coach just four years later and enjoyed a successful stint in charge of their B team before departing for Roma in 2011.
He only stayed at the Stadio Olimpico for a solitary season before returning to the game in 2013 to take charge at Celta, whom he led to a ninth-placed finish in La Liga.
Barcelona have confirmed the appointment of Luis Enrique as their new coach on a two-year contract.
The ex-Spain international, who spent eight seasons at Camp Nou as a player and another three in charge of the club's B team, takes over from Gerardo Martino, who stepped down after the Blaugrana were dethroned as Liga champions following a 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Luis Enrique met Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta at his home in Gava earlier this month and his move was a formality as soon as he stepped down as Celta boss on Friday.
"The FC Barcelona Board of Directors have this evening confirmed Luis Enrique Martinez as the new first team coach, following a proposal from sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta," a short statement read on Monday.
"Luis Enrique, 44, will sign a two-year deal."
The former midfield ace joined Barca from great rivals Real Madrid in 1996 and went on to establish himself as a firm favourite with the Camp Nou crowd, winning two Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and a Uefa Cup Winners' Cup before retiring in 2004.
Luis Enrique rejoined the club as a coach just four years later and enjoyed a successful stint in charge of their B team before departing for Roma in 2011.
He only stayed at the Stadio Olimpico for a solitary season before returning to the game in 2013 to take charge at Celta, whom he led to a ninth-placed finish in La Liga.
Louis van Gaal New Man Utd Manager??!!!
Pissu kora!! He's a beast when it comes to manager role!!!
Mamanam kalin hithuwe bro,LVG echchara hari naha kiyala ath dan balanakota nam eya hodai wage
- Status
