Former Champions League manager linked with Tottenham Hotspur issues cold rejection with ‘important’ claim

One of the managers being linked with the Tottenham job has appeared to rule himself out of the running.

Tottenham parted ways with Antionio Conte last weekend, and assistant Christian Stellini will take charge until the end of the season, with Spurs delaying their decision to appoint a permanent successor. Stellini, who only has a small history of senior management, will have his chance to impress, but it seems more likely Tottenham will look elsewhere.

One of the managers being linked is former Spain boss Luis Enrique, who left his role as La Roja boss after the most recent World Cup. Luis Enrique won all there was to win as Barcelona boss ahead of taking over Spain, and it would be no surprise if clubs were interested in his services both in Spain and in the Premier League.

But it seems Tottenham are not going to cut it for Luis Enrique, who wants to take over a team ready to win.

“Since the World Cup finished, I’ve not read the Spanish press, I’ve not looked at social networks, I only read the English press,” Luis Enrique told SER Gijon.

“You can’t pretend or like everyone or control what they say about you. The important thing is to be calm and enjoy the things you like. I would like to go to England to work. But I don’t see myself in the Premier League in July because I would like to go to a team there that can do important things and that’s very difficult. I wouldn’t go to any Premier League team.

“I have had offers from national teams but not from clubs. It would have to be a very important team to take it, although it would be very difficult for me to face Spain. I don’t know if I will be ready.”