Spain
Ernesto Valverde has been confirmed as the new head coach of Barcelona.
The 53-year-old former Barcelona player will replace Luis Enrique, who announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.
Valverde, who had been in charge of Athletic Bilbao for the last four seasons, has signed a two-year deal.
Ernesto Valverde is the new
— FC Barcelona (FCBarcelona) May 29, 2017FCBarcelonacoach.
Welcome, Ernesto!#HolaValverde pic.twitter.com/XBjdEztHRe
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said: “Valverde has the ability, the judgement, the knowledge and the experience,”
Bartomeu: “Valverde has the ability, the judgement, the knowledge and the experience. He promotes the youth players and he has a Barça way”
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 29, 2017
Valverde began his coaching career with Athletic’s youth set-up and is the Basque club’s longest serving coach, overseeing 308 games over six years in two different spells
.
He qualified Athletic for Europe in five of his six years with the club, he ended a 31-year wait for a trophy by leading them to the 2015 Spanish Super Cup, beating Barcelona 5-1 on aggregate.
He also previously played for Barcelona as a forward between 1988 and 1990 under Johan Cruyff.
Valverde’s official introduction to fans and the media will be held on Thursday.
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