Skip to content

Report: Barcelona to sack Valverde, set to appoint Setien

TF-Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Barcelona have had enough of Ernesto Valverde.

The Catalan club is set to sack Valverde midway through his third season in charge, according to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

According to Romano, former Real Betis boss Quique Setien is set to replace him on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Barcelona's decision comes days after they were bounced from the Supercopa de Espana semifinals in Saudi Arabia, where Valverde’s charges conceded two late goals to Atletico Madrid.

Valverde's dismissal is the first time Barcelona have sacked a manager since Louis van Gaal 16 years ago.

Although Barcelona currently sit joint-top of La Liga on 40 points, narrowly ahead of rivals Real Madrid on goal difference, Valverde has hardly been the subject of plaudits since he replaced Luis Enrique in May 2017.

Valverde has been largely maligned for forsaking Barcelona's traditional tactical ethos that valued technical dominance and a controlled buildup. He's been criticized for a failure to promote and use youth players as the once-famed La Masia academy continued its decline, and his inability to rotate members of an aging squad.

The former Barcelona forward guided the club to two La Liga titles paired with one Copa del Rey and one Supercopa de Espana success, winning 67% of fixtures over all competitions.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox