In what may be seen as a surprise move by many, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde may not return for a third season with the club.
The former Athletic Club boss shared his views on the team's project for 2019, but eventually gave a statement that was taken by many as a clear indication of his future being far away from an extended stay at Camp Nou Stadium.
"I do not know what I will do next season. In this football, who knows? We all know how things are. I never think long or long term," Valverde said in an interview with Barça TV.
The Spaniard signed a two-year deal with Barcelona before the beginning of the 2017-18 campaign. While he crashed out of the UEFA Champions League Quarter finals in spectacular fashion, he did lead Los Blaugranas to a domestic double, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey titles.
Nevertheless, the tactician has repeatedly turned down offers to extend his stay at Camp Nou, as his words in the video clearly state.
"I try to meet the objectives and, of course, how much we have left, so let's see it," Valverde added.
The Spanish coach has been criticized by some diehard Barcelona fans for his handling of the team's squad, which has seen him repeat the same lineup time and time again, relegating some of the team's signings to secondary roles.
Local newspapers have already run polls to see who should be named as his replacement, with Betis' coach Quique Setién and former midfielder Xavi as the frontrunners for the position.
Barcelona is currently the best team in the Spanish top flight, but the team's real desire is to win one more UEFA Champions League title. Los culés have been paired up against Lyon in the continental tournament, which keeps them as title contenders in the most relevant club competition in the globe.
