When Luis Enrique came home to Barcelona, the reaction to his appointment was mixed to say the least.
For those supporters tired of Tata Martino's long-ball game, having an ex-captain back as manager was manna from heaven.
A player steeped in Blaugrana despite his association with Real Madrid, Lucho understood perfectly the ethos of the club, and the way in which Barcelona should play.
Something that Martino perhaps never truly got to grips with.On the other side of the fence were those who scrutinised Enrique's managerial credentials and were left distinctly unimpressed.
Steering a Barca B side to record-breaking heights while Pep Guardiola was in his pomp as head of the first team counted for little.
Barca's official website were even proud to announce that Enrique had only won one more game (17) than he'd lost (16) while at AS Roma. A seventh-place finish was never going to be good enough for the Italians and so it was that Luis Enrique parted company after just a season.
To Celta Vigo. Where he lost 18 and won 15 finishing ninth.So how has Luis Enrique fared in the first half of the season? Let's take a look.There is definite room for improvement in Barca's level of performance. Too many times already this season we've seen a lacklustre Blaugrana that seem happy just to amble through games more in hope than expectation of a result.
Away against Almeria is a prime example of the insouciance shown by the players and the win in that game was hard on the hosts who deserved something.
The zip and pressing game that had been Barca's hallmark has been seen in patches, and when the players click, the Catalans still look unstoppable. A manita against Sevilla is a perfect example of what we can expect when the Blaugrana are on song.
In summary, Lucho has done OK but there is room for improvement certainly.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2305401-grading-luis-enriques-first-few-months-as-barcelona-manager
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