Barcelona 'decidedly average' without Messi says expert
Barcelona are set to make a decision over the future of Ernesto Valverde later today, with the Spaniard set to lose his job. Despite their position at the summit of La Liga, club chiefs are said to have chosen to remove the 55-year-old from his position.
Barcelona lost 3-2 to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup on Thursday having drawn three of their last four games in the league.
Despite sitting above rivals Real Madrid on goal difference after 19 fixtures and being through to face Napoli in the last 16 of the Champions League, fans have grown frustrated at their lack of consistency over the past 12 months.
Their 4-0 defeat at Anfield last season remains a particular moment of embarrassment, with the club now having failed to win the showpiece since the 2014/15 season.
Barcelona could have a new manager by the end of the week with Ernesto Valverde in trouble (Image: GETTY)
Arango’s post on Twitter reads: “Being reported on @CatalunyaRadio that Ernesto Valverde will be sacked today. The executive board meeting is underway.”
Fan favourite Xavi had been linked with the job after beginning his coaching career with Al Sadd in 2019, but that seems to have fallen through with Marca claiming the 39-year-old has rejected the offer.
Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is a possible candidate having been sacked by Tottenham in November, but he could chose to snub the move given his connection with local rivals Espanyol.
Andres Iniesta has given his thoughts on the potential decision by his former club, and questioned the treatment of their current boss.
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The World Cup winner was asked by Spanish radio station Onda Cero whether Xavi was a better choice than Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, who played for the club between 1989 and 2005.
He said: ”The one who knows best is Xavi, he will have analysed all the variables that there can be and let's see what happens.
"Koeman has a lot of experience as a coach and Xavi is starting out now.
“But a lot of times experience counts for nothing. Both of them have been at Barça and know the club."
Ernesto Valverde's Barcelona are currently top of the table and still in the Champions League (Image: GETTY)