Barcelona’s board have reportedly decided to sack head coach Ernesto Valverde after a meeting on Monday, with axed Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino the frontrunner to take over from him.
The 55-year-old has been under pressure after losing the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid, as well as falling out with some of the team – notably Vidal.
Valverde took training on Monday and spoke with the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu afterwards to discuss the situation and whether he should continue as coach before Bartomeu met with the rest of the board.
That meeting was attended by Barcelona’s director Javier Bordas, club CEO Oscar Grau and director of football Eric Abidal.
According to Catalunya Radio and Onda Cero, the board have decided that Valverde’s time at the club should come to an end and have informed the manager that they will contact his representatives to discuss the conditions of his sack.
Barca have already begun looking for a replacement, though it is very unlikely to be legendary midfielder Xavi who has made it clear he would only take over in the summer window.
According to reports, Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to take over despite his links with Espanyol and previous claim that he could never manage Barcelona.
Former Barca head coach Pep Guardiola was sympathetic towards Valverde’s plight, saying: ‘Barcelona is a special club, where winning La Liga is not enough.
‘But I feel bad for Valverde, as he does not deserve this treatment. I hope the situation can be resolved soon. I want him to stay at the club.’
However, Valverde will leave Camp Nou with Barca top of La Liga – albeit on goal difference – and having won back-to-back titles.
