Luis Enrique will step down as Barcelona manager at season's end

Barcelona will be in the market for a new manager this summer, as Luis Enrique announced during a press conference Wednesday that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 46-year-old, who has led the Catalan side to eight titles during his tenure, will see his contract expire once the campaign comes to a close; under intense scrutiny this season, questions have increasingly been asked both about his desire to remain in the high-stress position, and about whether Barcelona would be better served by replacing him on the touchline.

Speaking to the media following Barcelona's 6-1 thrashing of lowly Sporting Gijon on Wednesday, Enrique ended the speculation for good.

"I will not be manager of Barcelona next season," he said, as quoted by ESPN FC.

"In preseason I had a meeting with (Albert) Soler and Robert (Fernandez) during which I spoke about the possibility of not renewing. They told me that there was no rush to decide. But the moment has arrived.

"The reason is the way I have to live this profession, constantly looking to improve. It means I have very little time to rest.

"It's been a difficult, but well thought through decision. I need to rest. I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me and for three unforgettable years."

Barcelona remains in contention for three major trophies this season; the Blaugrana are, as usual, in a battle with Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, and are slated to meet Alaves in the Copa del Rey final in May.

But after two seasons of unrivaled dominance - Barca won the treble in Enrique's first season in 2014, and followed that up with a double last year - the all-conquering side has wavered in 2016-17.

Though still explosive, there's been an added vulnerability about the team this season, which was exposed in the stunning 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last month in the first leg of Barca's Champions League Round of 16 tie. Though still technically in Europe's marquee club competition, it will take an historic comeback to reach the quarter-finals.

Regardless, Enrique says he will remain completely dedicated to helping bring more silverware to Catalonia.

"There are three months left and we are in a difficult situation, especially in one competition (the Champions League)," he said.

"But with the help of everyone - and if the stars align - we can turn things around (against PSG). My dedication during the coming three months will be total."

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, told of the news along with the players after Wednesday's encounter, echoed those sentiments, and is looking for the Spanish tactician to go out on a high note.

"Luis Enrique has brought us great success and he can still bring us more. The players are motivated to do it," Bartomeu added.

With the aforementioned struggles at the club this season, speculation has been rife over potential successors; Sevilla bench boss Jorge Sampaoli has been the hottest name tipped to assume the high-pressure gig, while the likes of Ronald Koeman and Massimiliano Allegri have also been linked with a move to the Camp Nou.