Two embarrassing UEFA Champions League eliminations were not enough to see Ernesto Valverde leaving the club. Instead, all that was needed was a Spanish Super Cup loss to see the former Athletic boss leave the club.
The Blaugrana side has issued a press release moments ago revealing that the former Athletic Club boss will no longer be in charge of the team's tactics. The 55-year-old boss had his final practice with Los Culés this morning, but right after it, he had a meeting with president Josep María Bartomeu where he was informed of the team's decision.
Agreement between FC Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde to end his contract as manager of the first team. Thank you for everything, Ernesto. Best of luck in the future. pic.twitter.com/zrIgB1sW2e
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 13, 2020
The Spanish tactician won back-to-back La Liga trophies with the Blaugrana side. Added to that, he won one Copa del Rey title and a Spanish Super Cup to his resume while coaching the Catalan club. Nevertheless, being eliminated by Roma and Liverpool in consecutive seasons of the UEFA Champions League caused his stint with the club to be harshly criticized by the team's fans.
Valverde will be replaced by Quique Setién, who coached Betis for the past two seasons. He has never won a major title with any club, but he has been mentioned as one of the best Spanish coaches around. He is the last tactician to lead a team to an away win at Camp Nou, back in the 2018-19 season.
The club announced their new coach via their Twitter feed. "Quique Setién will become Barcelona's new coach. Welcome!"
Quique Setién será el nuevo entrenador del FC Barcelona ¡Bienvenido!
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) January 13, 2020
