Ernesto Valverde's future has been the subject of speculation for the entire season, since he has not signed a contract extension with Barcelona.
The Spanish tactician ends his deal with Los Blaugranas this summer, and while some sources believe that the current La Liga champions are already searching for their next manager, president Josep Maria Bartomeu ruled out any intention from the club to part ways with the coach.
In fact, Bartomeu hinted that Valverde's tenure at Camp Nou will continue beyond this season in an interview with Catalan-based newspaper Sport.
"There's no doubt in our minds: Valverde is our coach for this season and for the next. We will negotiate with him, he talked about it a while ago. We trust him deeply because he's doing a great job. He knows our system and he handles the games in a way that satisfies the entire board," Bartomeu stated.
Reports from Spain suggested that Valverde was not interested in extending his stay at Camp Nou, and there were some that had the nerve of pointing out his potential replacements. This statement by Bartomeu should keep fans at ease regarding the team's coaching spot.
In the same interview, Bartomeu revealed that Jordi Alba will also continue playing for the club, since the Spaniard is on the verge of signing a five-year extension with los Blaugranas.
"Of course he will keep playing for Barça. We are already working with him and his agents to work out a long-term deal," Bartomeu concluded.
