Barcelona have sacked manager Ernesto Valverde despite the club sitting top of La Liga at the halfway point of the season
The shock decision comes in the wake of last week's Spanish Super Cup semi-final defeat by Atletico Madrid, in which Barca threw away a lead late on to lose 3-2.
That result accelerated a move for club legend Xavi to replace Valverde, but after their former midfielder turned down a return to the Nou Camp, they are now poised to appoint Setien, ahead of a potential move for Mauricio Pochettino.
Valverde has become the first boss axed by Barcelona midway through a season since Louis van Gaal 17 years ago. The club were 20 points behind leaders Real Sociedad at the time of the Dutchman's sacking and finished the campaign in sixth position, 22 points off champions Real Madrid.
Adobelive
3893
Finally I receive my 2018 Christmas gift on Jan 2020.
DoggyDog-oDawg
2954
One Valverde chops down Morata and the other one chops down Barcelona
BlueBlackSnake
1954
13th of January is an official Barcelona holiday 😂
Hussein Manga
1443
Breaking News: They BROKE UP [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Ojaski
1284
Now Barca have gain Independence from the tyranny Valverde. Then Barca fans will be like.....
cikbioprsz
1239
The news we've been waiting for after the AS Roma humiliation and then the Anfield humiliation 😌
GloryTheKing
1108
I'm CRYING LITERALLY TEAR OF YOU! VALVERDE HAS BEEN SACKED ON MY BIRTHDAY! WHAT A FEELING! 😭😭😭
Kebba99o
1072
all this cause because of you your era is finished VV
JacobosYenChiHuang4
1049
Though I’ve called his name and ran his down many times, it’s still sad to see him like this in the first photo... His bold changes and improvisation were memorable……Thus good luck Ernesto Valverde Tejedor...adiós
BawSkee
990
Overall I'd give him 5/10. Football was not awful but not good, extremely dependant on Messi, yes he won titles, but inconsistency was awful, you see Barca on a winning streak, means they will lose to a much weaker team on paper soon enough. I know those 13 year olds who support Barca for titles are happy he's gone. I'm happy as well, hopefully new manager will be able to bring back the style of play that Barca crushed teams with back in the day. Honestly I want Valverde to manage a little weaker side, mid table to top 6, but he's clearly not good enough with top teams in the world.
Mathematics
957
This is the breakout In the street after the news that Valverde has be sacked....
petosquare1
883
Glorious Exit 😂😂
JayDuke
811
Messi escorting Valverde to airport.
ndifon7
770
Valverd be like: I sacked them first before they sack me [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Cypher100
750
Breaking: Valverde is still trying to enter Barcelona
1Nana
681
This ain't Breaking news, This is Awaiting News! Hell Yah!
Yusufbash
610
I can’t believe this day!!!!!! We have gain freedom. Over to you
Olarmideh
569
Finally the Christmas gift Barcelona fans have all been waiting for finally arrived😂😂😂
Buschester-United
508
Goodluck mr Enersto it's time to Park and Go
Noble_jr
482
This is never a breaking news it’s Historical news 😂😂😂🔴🔵
wizistuf22
399
THE STREETS would never forget Valverde reign at Barcelona: - Helped liverpool complete one of the greatest comebacks ever
Puebnprty
388
I receive my 2018 Christmas gift on 13th of December 2020. Still happy it finally comes.
AngelBhusalBarçafan
381
Now someone need to tackle Bartomeu
UVABOY
374
Incredible numbers but poor football style and tactics... That's what can define his sack
AritraSarkar
344
I dont know how it felt furing independece of my country,but I can feel it now