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Luis Enrique jokes about his imminent Barcelona departure
LUIS ENRIQUE has joked the announcement of his Barcelona departure is responsible for their impressive run of form.
Luis Enrique will leave Barcelona at the end of the season
Enrique revealed at the beginning of last month that he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Since then, Barca have won five of their last six games, including a 6-1 second leg triumph over Paris Saint-Germain to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi both netted against Sevilla
And after last night's 3-0 defeat of Sevilla, the 46-year-old boss joked his players are now performing because they're relieved he's leaving.
Enrique said: "Winning since my exit announcement? They feel such a great relief from getting rid of me, that now they're flying!
"I have a great time when we win, but when we lose, the cannibals come out and I'm in the middle."
And on the Sevilla win, the Spaniard added: "We played at a top level. We practically locked them in their half of the pitch and we have created many chances.
"Our pressing in the first half was spectacular. Sincerely, it was one of our best first halves of the season.
"The second half? It was a different game, but it's a normal thing that can happen."