Luis Enrique set to coach Roma

Former Barcelona and Real Madrid player Luis Enrique has struck an agreement with Roma to become head coach of the Serie A club.

Although a proposed two-year deal is yet to be finalised, Enrique is expected to earn approximately 1.6 million euros a season – with the option of a third year being thrown into the package.

The 41-year-old Spaniard is set to take over from the outgoing Vincenzo Montella, who replaced Claudio Ranieri on a temporary basis in February.

Confident of completing the deal within days, Enrique is already looking forward to the challenge of coaching in Italy’s top flight.

“There is a total agreement with (Roma). All that is missing is my signature. In the next few days I will be in Rome,” Enrique told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am happy with the choice and enthusiastic about taking on the Roma project. It’s a winning project and I am an ambitious coach.”

Enrique succeeded Pep Guardiola as coach of Barcelona’s B team in 2008 and guided the side to the playoffs in Spain’s second tier last season, although they were ineligible to gain promotion to the top flight.

The former Spain international intends to produce attractive football in a bid to win over the demanding Roma faithful.

“My style of football is an attacking one and a spectacular one,” he said.

“I want to bring so many people to the stadium. I want the fans to enjoy the team’s play.”

“No one knows me in Italy but in one year’s time, I will be able to clear any doubts. Facts will speak for themselves.”

There was mounting speculation Enrique would take over at Atletico Madrid, who have turned to former Sevilla boss Gregorio Manzano.

Enrique will reportedly attempt to poach some of his former Barcelona youth charges, including Bojan Krkic and Jeffren Suarez.

“I want to play with the best players that I will find at Roma and some I will try to bring from Barcelona.”

After long-term owners the Sensi family relinquished control of the club in 2010, Roma were left in the hands of the administrators.

A consortium led by American businessman Thomas DiBenedetto completed their take over in April this year.