The new manager signed for FC Barcelona in 1996 during his playing career, it just so happens that Atlético Madrid also won the league title that season
There are many similarities between Luis Enrique the player and Luis Enrique the manager. What the manager is experiencing now is oddly similar to his experience, at least in small ways, back in 1996 when he signed for Barça from Real Madrid.
- 1996: Luis Enrique joins Barça just a few days after Atlético Madrid claim the league title.
2014 Luis Enrique joins Barça just a few days after Atlético Madrid claim the league title.
This year it was Barça who pushed Atletico till the last game, in 1996 it was Valencia – with a certain Andoni Zubizarreta in goal.
- 1995/96 – After winning four of the previous six league titles (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994), Barça fail to win the league, the Cup or the Champions League. Johan Cruyff and Carles Rexach are replaced by Bobby Robson
2013/14 – After winning four of the previous six league titles (2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013), Barça fail to win the eague, the Cup or the Champions League. Tata Martino is replaced by Luis Enrique
Finally, one last coincidence: David Villa, the last Asturian to play for the team, was presented on May 21. Just like Luis Enrique.