Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola Once Rejected by Gimnastic de Tarragona Early in Coaching Careers

According to L'Equipe, back in November 2006, Luis Enrique held negotiations with La Liga club Gimnastic de Tarragona shortly after retiring from his playing career. During these talks, the Asturian coach expressed his desire to bring in Pep Guardiola as his assistant. 

Despite pressure from sporting director Josep Sicart to approve the appointment, the club's president ultimately rejected Luis Enrique due to his lack of managerial experience. Gimnastic instead hired Paco Flores and was subsequently relegated. Luis Enrique had to wait until the summer of 2008 for his first coaching role with Barcelona's reserve team, succeeding Guardiola after the latter was promoted to the senior squad.