BARCELONA star Andres Iniesta is backing former boss Luis Enrique to be a hit if he replaces Antonio Conte at Chelsea.
The European giants face each other yet again in the Champions League, this time with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
But with Barcelona storming towards the title in La Liga, the pressure is all on Conte after a meek surrender of last term’s Premier League trophy to champions-elect Manchester City.
Reports claim the Italian will be axed by Roman Abramovich at the end of the season.
And the leading contender to replace Conte is ex-Barcelona favourite Enrique, who achieved success in Catalonia both as a player and manager.
One man who shone under his leadership is Iniesta, who will start in midfield against the Blues on Tuesday night.
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And the veteran playmaker reckons Enrique would easily be able to replicate his Spanish success at Chelsea, with Barcelona predecessor Pep Guardiola implementing the Nou Camp brand of football at Man City in fine style.
Iniesta said: “Enrique is an excellent coach. In Barcelona, he showed the incredible level he has reached.
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“I think he could win trophies at any club – and that includes Chelsea. It won’t be easy because Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“But when you see what Enrique developed in Barcelona, then I think it is also possible in London.
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“The Premier League is a tough competition but, for me, he is capable of managing any big English club.”
Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba echoed Iniesta’s sentiments, adding: “For me, it wouldn’t be a big surprise if Enrique took over at Chelsea, because he has the right experience and quality for this kind of club.
“Chelsea is a bit like Barcelona – a club where you are always obliged to be a champion. But that kind of pressure doesn’t damage the work of someone like Enrique. He is used to it.
“He has proved himself already. The Premier League is different to La Liga, but I don’t think that will be a problem for Enrique. I think he would do well.”
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