Pep Guardiola says he is 'sad' about Luis Enrique's departure from Barcelona and that there are few better managers than the Spaniard.

The current Barca boss announced he would be leaving the Catalan side after three years at the helm, admitting he had "very few hours of rest" doing the job.

Guardiola was a team-mate of Luis Enrique for five years and also famously managed the side. The Man City manager offered kind words for his fellow coach in his post-match press conference following a 5-1 FA Cup replay win over Huddersfield.

Guillem Balague reacts to the news that Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique has said he will not be in charge next season Guillem Balague reacts to the news that Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique has said he will not be in charge next season

"As a Barcelona fan, I'm sad that we'll miss the perfect trainer for Barcelona. In his three years [the team] has played unbelievable football. I understand him completely and I wish him the best," Guardiola said.

"From a membership point, I'd like to thank him for all he's done for the club. There are few better managers in the world than Luis Enrique. I still think they are the best team in the world. I'm upset he's not going to be there anymore, but I wish him the best."

The announcement came after Barcelona had gone top of the La Liga table for the first time since the first week of the season after their 6-1 win against Sporting Gijon and Real Madrid slipping to a 3-3 draw with Las Palmas.

Highlights from Barcelona's 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon from the Nou Camp in La Liga Highlights from Barcelona's 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon from the Nou Camp in La Liga

The news will also immediately ignite speculation over who will succeed Luis Enrique at the Nou Camp in the summer.

Sevilla's former Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli is among the early favourites for the role, alongside Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde.

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