Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has rubbished claims which indicate his imminent sack. The 55-year-old manager has stated that he has the blessing of the club's board to continue his spell in the dugout despite his side's failure to win the UEFA Champions League this season.
Barely over a week after clinching the league title with three matches to spare, Barcelona was sent packing out of the semi-final of the European cup competition by Liverpool. The Reds completed a historic remontada against the Camp Nou outfit who entered the clash with a three-goal advantage from the first leg.
With Lionel Messi promising to deliver the Champions League trophy to fans at the beginning of the season, Ernesto Valverde came under massive criticism for derail from the objective as a result of the defeat at Anfield. Amid speculations of an imminent sack, the former Athletic Club manager has vowed to continue at Camp Nou.
"I feel strong, I'm ok and I'm looking forward to taking a step forward, I'm not going to hide behind a wall," Valverde said at a press conference ahead of Sunday's La Liga encounter with Getafe.
I've spoken to the president and I have always felt supported by him and he has given me his absolute backing.
"When something like this happens it seems like everything is falling apart but we know what this world is like. Everyone thinks you should burn everything to the ground at moments like this but you have to put things back in their place."
In terms of viable candidates that may potentially replace Ernesto Valverde should Barcelona succumb to the demands of fans, El Chiringuito has revealed that Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman and Ajax manager Erik ten Hag are on top of the list.
