29 March 2023 , 15:51
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Luis Enrique admitted he doesn't see himself managing in the Premier League in what could be a blow to Tottenham.
The 52-year-old has been out of work since leaving his role as the Spain boss following their disappointing penalty shootout exit to Morocco in the World Cup last 16. During his second spell in charge, Enrique lost just five times in 39 matches and also reached the semi-finals at Euro 2020 - losing to eventual winners Italy.
There have been fresh rumours linking Enrique with a move to Tottenham after Antonio Conte was relieved of his duties on Sunday evening. Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino are also in the frame to become the new Spurs manager at the end of the season.
But Enrique has seemingly ruled himself of the running. He admitted he doesn't see himself in the Premier League in July and suggested that he would only want to go to a team chasing for the title.
Speaking to La SER Gijon, as relayed by Relevo, Enrique said: "I would like to go to England to work. But I don't see myself in the Premier [League] in July, because I would like to go to a team there that can do important things and that is very difficult. I would not go to any Premier team."
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Conte said similar during his time in charge of Tottenham and grew frustrated that Spurs were so far away from challenging with Arsenal and Manchester City for the title. They were all but out of the race in January - an experience that was different to what the Italian was used to at Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan.
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Luis Enrique and Antonio Conte are regarded as two of Europe's top managers (Getty Images)Speaking back in January, Conte said: "Here, I understood that my task is different. My task here is to help the club to build a solid foundation, to create a base, and then to try to improve. If you ask me, 'is the challenge to win the Premier League, the Champions League?' This is not the task here for this moment.
"The task for me is to help the club. I signed a contract in November [2021] and I found the club in a difficult position, for many reasons. My task, I understood very well, is to try to help the club to go in the right direction or to come back in the right direction."
As for Enrique, he hasn't yet received offers from any club, including Tottenham, but has had interest from national teams. However, the former Barcelona manager doesn't see him returning anytime soon due to Spanish links.
"I have had offers from national teams but not from club," he said. "It would have to be a very important team to take it, although it would be very difficult for me to face Spain. I don't know if I would be ready."