Luis Enrique starts Roma work early
Reuters - Monday 13 June 2011, 12:50
ROME - AS Roma's Luis Enrique began
planning for next season on Monday despite not yet being
unveiled as the new coach of the Serie A club.
The former Barcelona B coach was pictured on the club
website over the weekend wearing a Roma T-shirt and with his
thumbs up to the camera but bureaucracy is holding up the
official announcement of his appointment.
Roma, who finished sixth last term under new Catania coach
Vincenzo Montella, are in the process of being bought by an
American consortium and the paperwork on the takeover and
Enrique's arrival has yet to be fully completed.
New Roma Sporting Director Walter Sabatini, who has hinted
he is only in the job until Franco Baldini takes over when his
role as England general manager ends, is thrilled at recruiting
ex-Spain midfielder Enrique and his passing principles.
"Luis Enrique was a first choice for us," Sabatini recently
told reporters, denying that ex-Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti
was in the frame.
"Our intention is to create a mix between Spanish football,
with its focus on passing and possession football, and the
requirements and characteristics of our championship."
The 41-year-old, who played for Real Madrid and
Barcelona, succeeded Pep Guardiola as boss at Barca's second
team and his friend has gone on to wow world football with his
achievements and style of play with the main Barca side.