Fansided

Luis Enrique to skip Ballon d’Or gala

By Marco D'Onofrio

July 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena and Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique watch game action during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena and Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique watch game action during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Luis Enrique announced he will not attend Monday’s Ballon d’Or gala, after Barcelona crushed Granada 4-0 on Saturday. 

Barcelona head coach, Luis Enrique, has every reason to be excited for Monday’s Ballon d’or gala. Considering he led his club to an impressive five trophies in 2015, the Spanish tactician is the favourite to win the FIFA Coach of the Year award, for the first time in his career.

However, after his side brushed away Granada 4-0 on Saturday, Enrique announced that he would not be attending the Ballon d’Or gala.

"“I will not be at the Ballon d’Or gala,” he told reporters at the post-match news conference,"

The Barcelona boss will not be the only notable absentee from the festivities on Monday, with Bayern Munich head coach, Pep Guardiola, announcing on Friday that he will also not be attending the event. Guardiola is currently in Qatar overseeing Bayern’s training camp, and will miss the Ballon d’Or gala along with his players.

In his first year at the helm, Enrique guided the Blaugrana to a treble in 2015, winning the UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, and La Liga title. The club also currently sit atop the La Liga table with 42 points from 18 matches.

While the 45-year-old admitted he won’t be in attendance, he did back Lionel Messi to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

"“Messi is a unique player and there won’t be another one like him. Team goals motivate him year on year.”"

The award ceremony takes place on Monday at 12:30 p.m. ET from Zurich, Switzerland.

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