Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has admitted that the club's players were "surprised" at the timing of the announcement from head coach Luis Enrique that he would step down at the end of the season.
Suarez toldOnda Cerothat the he and his teammates were not expecting Enrique to make the announcement in the dressing room following Barca's 6-1 midweek victory over Sporting Gijon, but that the decision was respected by all regardless.
It has been reported that Enrique's reveal was met with an "eery silence" in the dressing room.
But Suarez has lifted the lid on the experience, saying:"To be honest it surprised us a little.We didn't expect it, but it's a decision which we understand and we accept.
"It's understandable based on many things which have happened. His reason is more than acceptable because the role of a manager is really difficult, it takes a lot of hours of work.
"He needs to enjoy himself, too. He's a father. He has a family. The age of his kids...they're experiencing their best moments and he wants to enjoy it with them. We've got no problem accepting it."
When asked about the silence among the players when learning of their boss' decision, he added:"No one asked or said anything because when the manger renewed [in 2015] we didn't ask why.So why would we ask why he wasn't going to continue?
"Plus we all understand the situation and the decisions each person takes."
Barcelona currently sit top of La Liga and face an encounter with Celta Vigo on Saturday evening, as they look to continue their recent surge and retain their spot at the top of the table.
For more great content, subscribe to 90min on YouTube, and follow @_scottsaunders on Twitter!