FC Barcelona manager Luis Enrique on Sunday confirmed he would step down at the end of the season .
The 46- year -old , in his third season in charge of Barca, was speaking after their 6 -1 win over Sporting Gijon on Wednesday night .
He won the Champions League as part of the treble in his first year , and led them to a domestic double last season.
But they are on the verge of elimination from the Champions League, after losing 4 -0 to Paris St -Germain in the last - 16 first leg.
“ It is a difficult , measured and well thought-out decision and I think I have to be loyal to what I think ,” he said .
“ I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me. It’s been three unforgettable years .”
Barca’ s win over Sporting took them to the top of La Liga , a point above Real Madrid .
Real Madrid had forced a 3-3 draw away to Las Palmas in a late Wednesday night fixture , but they still have a game in hand.
Former Spain midfielder Enrique played for FC Barcelona between 1996 and his retirement from playing in 2004.
He then coached their B team from 2008 to 2011 , returning to the club as first -team boss after spells managing Roma and Celta Vigo .
Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said : “ Luis Enrique has brought us great success and he can still bring us more . The players are motivated to do it .
“ We accept Luis Enrique ’ s decision . He has been a great coach. Now is it time to end his spell in the best possible way .”
NAN
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