Ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique's comments on managing Real Madrid resurface - 'I can break a record'

Luis Enrique is one of the greatest Spanish tacticians in football history and that is just a fact even Real Madrid fans have to admit. He was a massive success at Barcelona, guiding the Catalans to nine trophies and a historic second treble in the 2014-15 season.

The Spaniard ended Paris Saint-Germain's long wait for European glory last season and in style. He oversaw a 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final to become the first manager to guide a French club to a continental treble and quadruple.

Madrid's rivalry means the possibility of Enrique ever taking over at the Estadio Bernabeu are slim. He hasn't been named among the list of potential candidates to replace Xabi Alonso if caretaker boss Alvaro Arbeloa doesn't land the job permanently.

Luis Enrique on coaching Real Madrid

Enrique is a comedic character who makes his club's supporters fall in love with him while rival fans get irritated at the sight and sound of him. That's largely because he's a perennial winner who continues to break records in the Parc des Princes dugout.

The 55-year-old once touched on the topic of potentially becoming the first coach in history to have taken charge of both El Clasico clubs. He said in an interview with 3Cat back in late 2024:

"I don’t think there is anyone in history who has been a player and coach for Barca and Madrid. I can break a record."

Enrique laughed before insisting it wouldn't happen:

“I’m not going to do it. It would be nice. Just kidding, just kidding.”

Madridistas would probably have huge reservations over a former Barca manager taking the hotseat at the Bernabeu. That even includes a coach of Enrique's brilliance and if such an appointment were to be made there would always be a lingering feeling over his intentions.

But if Florentino Perez is looking for a new permanent boss this summer then Enrique is the right kind of personality for the role. There are similarities between the PSG boss and the man who the Madrid president seems to be favouring if he decides to make another managerial change.

Enrique explains what Klopp would bring to Madrid

Enrique and Klopp have met several times in the Champions League in the past and the pair share a good relationship. Their larger-than-life personalities are extremely similar and they have the aura of a boss whose players know who is in charge.

The PSG manager spoke highly of Klopp's tactics back in January 2024 and the German's impact on football (via PSG Talk):

“When his teams are in form, like Liverpool, they press intensely, and it becomes challenging to attack or defend against them… I only have positive things to say: a beautiful style and a friendly, warm man. I really like his style.”

Klopp has continued to downplay becoming Madrid's next manager but he fits the bill because of his character and playing philosophy. When going up against such high-profile tacticians as Enrique, having such a celebrated coach in the opposite dugout can be vital.