Modern-thinking Valverde ideal coach for Barcelona — Bartomeu

He began his coaching career with Athletic’s B team, before being promoted to the seniors in 2003 and guiding them to UEFA Cup qualification two years later. But it was only at the end of the season that, Ernesto Valverde became the favourite, after stepping down from his job at Athletico Bilbao.

Valverde brings two members of his coaching staff at Athletic to Barcelona, his assistant of 15 years Jon Aspiazu and fitness coach Jose Antonio Pozanco.

Valverde played for Barcelona for two years, from 1998 until 2000. He’s a very hard worker, he coaches the way we like to coach.

Valverde has a range of managerial experience at various clubs but now he is in charge of one of world football’s heavyweights. “Also, he is passionate about applying technology to both training and matches”, Bartomeu added.

“Robert explained he was looking for a coach who had the Barcelona profile and knows the style”. It finished seventh in the Spanish league. England’s Gary Lineker, Valverde was also his team-mate as well as Ronald Koeman and Michael Laudrup in that Barcelona side. It won the first leg of that final 4-0 with an inspiring performance at its San Mames Stadium.

“Thank you for everything in the last few years”. He started his procareer as a head coach with Athletic in 2003 up to 2005. “It’s impossible not to accept Valverde as coach”. The newspaper said the announcement would be made next week.

Speaking to the Barcelona website after the Copa Del Rey victory Saturday, Enrique said: “I feel happy because I have enjoyed a lot making Barca fans happy by winning trophies and that makes me proud”. He managed to guide Barcelona to a second place finish in the league and lost to Juventus in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. A new right-back will also be a priority after a season in which natural midfielder Sergi Roberto was required to play in the position.

“We were not satisfied, neither were the players, nor the coaches and directors”.