Weeks of speculation have concluded today, as Barcelona's president Josep Maria Bartomeu has shed light on Ernesto Valverde's future as coach.
Bartomeu attended the launch of a book that looks into the life of former Blaugrana legend Ladislao Kubala, where members of the media asked him a number of questions about the team's future. According to Bartomeu, it will be up to the players to bounce back from that heavy loss, and the coach will be right beside them next season.
"Valverde said the other day that he has the support of the president and the board. He's the coach we want. We're halfway through a large project. He has a contract and we're very happy with him. Now it's about how the players recover from the enormous setback," Bartomeu said.
The Blaugrana boss added that Valverde has been involved in the team's plans all throughout the season, hinting that those players that there will be no surprises in the transfer department.
"The planning for next season is already underway, and has been for some time. Some players have already signed and we'll keep having talks after the [Copa del Rey] final," Bartomeu added.
Bartomeu encouraged the team's supporters to see the bright side of what he categorized as a season to remember.
"It's been a magnificent season, we've won the league with games to spare. We all want more. Now we've got the Copa final and we're coming off the back of a damaging defeat. Now it's about recuperating the support, the excitement, the will to compete and we've still got a week of training left," the president concluded.
The last game of the season for Barcelona is set to take place on May 25.
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