Barcelona Women’s head coach Lluís Cortés has resigned from his role after two years in charge despite winning a historic treble with the club this season.
Barça secured the Primera División, Copa de la Reina and Women’s Champions League titles in the same season for the first time. However, he announced his departure to his players before their final league match, a 9-1 victory against Eibar on Sunday.
“It has been a very beautiful period for me, in which we have experienced very emotional things with this group of people,” he said. “Getting this first treble has made us super happy, but it has also been a very tough season. We started training on the 10th of July and until today there have been 353 days of a lot of work, efforts, coexistence … with all the conditions caused by Covid. And I think this has made it a season of a lot of wear and tear for everyone, both physically and emotionally.
“Right now I feel with very little energy to continue leading this team. The best in the world needs a trained coach to drag, spread and transmit strength to the group and I right now feel that I cannot… It has been a very nice period for me, but right now I feel very little energy to continue leading this team. It is a considered decision.”
Quick Guide
Toni Duggan linked with Everton after announcing Spain exit
Show
England Women forward Toni Duggan has said farewell to Spanish football as she continues to be linked with a return to England.
Duggan joined Barcelona in 2017 and moved on to Atlético Madrid two years later, but has now confirmed her future lies elsewhere.
She wrote on Twitter: “After four really enjoyable years, it’s time to say goodbye to Spain. I’ve had the honour of playing for two incredible clubs, helped them to create history and won trophies. Most importantly, I’ve met so many special people and created memories on and off the pitch that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I wish Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and women’s football in Spain the best of luck in the future.”
Duggan has been linked with a return to Everton, where she began her career before joining Manchester City where she won a Women’s Super League title, an FA Cup and two WSL Cups. She added a Copa de la Reina with Barça, who finished runners-up in the league twice and the Champions League once in her time there, and a Supercopa with Atlético.
She has 79 senior England caps to her name and was part of the victorious squad at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup. PA Media
The manager had agreed a contract extension at the start of May but there have been some reports suggesting disagreements with the players. No replacement has been announced yet.
Barcelona secured the Champions League title for the first time in the club’s history with a convincing 4-0 win over Chelsea in the final. They also won the league title by 25 points, winning 33 of 34 league matches.