Luis Enrique's assistant has emerged as a frontrunner for the the top job at Camp Nou and the coach has many admirers among the Catalan club
Barcelona spokesman Josep Vives has hailed Juan Carlos Unzue as a "superb professional" amid growing speculation Luis Enrique's assistant will step in as head coach at the end of this season.
Luis Enrique announced he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires in June in the aftermath of his side's 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon at the start of this month.
Athletic Bilbao's Ernesto Valverde and and Seville's Jorge Sampaoli were initially touted as frontrunners for the post but Barca's upturn in form since Luis Enrique made his decision has made the prospect of an internal appointment seem more appealing.