FC Barcelona

Real Madrid

Spain

World Football

Results

Opinion

Bartomeu: We never doubted Ernesto Valverde

The president says he was always lined up to replace Lucho

Bartomeu espera ver a Messi ganando más de una Champions / | RAC1
Xavi Canals

Josep Maria Bartomeu defended Ernesto Valverde as a key piece of the transition process after the success Barcelona had under Luis Enrique.

Despite winning the double for the eighth time in the club's history, Valverde lived some difficult moments with the Spanish Super Cup defeat against Real Madrid, and Champions League elimination by Roma. 

Bartomeu said: "We have never doubted Valverde. We knew a lot about him and liked his path, we knew he would be Lucho's replacement when he told us that he would not continue. He's an ideal coach for Barca. He's smart, can read games and change the team's dynamic."

Barca's president also spoke about the debacle in Rome.

"The defeat by Roma did not just disappoint me, but all Cules, all players and Ernesto himself. We all wanted to break everything, but we got over it and kept on going to win the double.

 

"The season is a nine (out of 10), excellent, and I know people are thinking about next year but we have to enjoy what we won."