Luis Enrique announced he will step down as manager of Barcelona at the end of the current season.

Enrique has been under pressure since Barcelona's 4-0 loss in the Champions League last-16 at Paris Saint-Germain.

Enrique took the job in 2014 and won the Champions League in his first season.

Jorge Sampaoli of Sevilla is the early favorite to replace him, with Everton’s Ronald Koeman and Arsène Wenger of Arsenal having been linked with the post in the past.

“I won’t be at Barcelona next season,” said Enrique in his post-match press conference. “I need to rest. I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me. It’s been three unforgettable years. It’s a very difficult decision for me, one I’ve thought about a lot, but I think I need to be true to myself and fair to my way of thinking.

“In the pre-season I had a meeting with Albert Soler (Barça’s director of professional sports) and Robert Fernández (Barça’s technical secretary) where I mooted the possibility that I might not renew my contract. They told me there was no rush to take the decision. That moment has arrived. I’m announcing it. The reason is I live my work looking for solutions and it gives me little time to rest.

“I’d like to thank the club for the confidence they’ve shown in me over my time. They gave me the chance to coach the B team, I did that, and these three years have been unforgettable. I thank the club for all the support and professionalism and I’m not forgetting there are still three incredible months to go.”