Ernesto Valverde is bound to be sacked today following Champions League and Copa Del Rey humiliation as per the reports.
Barcelona were declared as La Liga winners before they took on Liverpool in the Champions League Semifinals. The Blaugrana had a commendable 3-0 lead from the first leg, but they blew everything away in the second leg.
Headed by Lionel Messi, they were totally petrified by the Anfield crowd who did not let their side back from the first minute. Immediately after the game, the fans wanted the board to sack their manager, who is depending on the individual brilliance of Lionel Messi.
During the media day before the Copa Del Rey finals, Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique spoke about the mental obstacle. That Liverpool game hurt them very badly, as they were defeated by Valencia in the domestic cup competition final. Inevitably, the fans were angered with this loss which put a full stop to their domestic dominance.
The board have decided to part ways with Ernesto Valverde, according to the Spanish publication RAC1. The 55-year-old is expected to be fired today following the massive back-to-back disappointments in the two cup competitions.
Several reports suggests Belgium manager Roberto Martinez heading the shortlist at Nou Camp. The Spanish International has endured an exception period with the national time, alongside Thierry Henry, who is eyed as assistant manager to Martinez.
The four-man list was released by Mundo Deportivo yesterday. The list comprises of Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman, Unai Emery, and Massimiliano Allegri. Roberto Martinez is believed to be heading the shortlist, while Ronald Koeman is a suitable backup option to Martinez.
Barcelona hierarchy have a huge decision to make in the forthcoming days. The big names including Pep Guardiola, Diego Simeone, Jurgen Klopp, and Mauricio Pochettino have long-term contracts at their respective clubs.
Here’s how Twitter reacted..
BREAKING: Ernesto Valverde to be sacked as Barcelona manager today https://t.co/Mt2loeMi3w pic.twitter.com/Xdgo2kQuGS
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) May 28, 2019
RUMOUR: RAC1 in Spain reports that Roberto Martinez is the frontrunner to be the next coach of Barcelona, if Ernesto Valverde is sacked this summer. #Barca pic.twitter.com/ULJZ8zuW5u
— TransferNewsCentral (@TransferNewsCen) May 28, 2019
BREAKING!! 🚨
We are hearing that Barcelona have sacked their manager Ernesto Valverde!!
It seems to be all change in La Liga today. First Ramos, and now Valverde!
Who will be leaving their club next?! #LaLiga #Barcelona #Barca #Valverde pic.twitter.com/iACsTu4ljO
— BetVision (@BetVisionsports) May 28, 2019
Roberto Martinez is reportedly Barcelona’s first choice if Ernesto Valverde does not continue as manager.
Gossip: https://t.co/efj1N9cXtG pic.twitter.com/KcqiqbRF6f
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 28, 2019
❗️Barcelona will announce today that Valverde won’t be coaching the team next season. [rac1] pic.twitter.com/eAbW5aLxWS
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 28, 2019
BOOM! Barcelona will terminate Valverde contract today, according to first catalan radio!
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) May 28, 2019
What’s next?
As Ernesto Valverde is expected to get the sack today, the board has a huge decision to make on the upcoming manager. The fans are demanding eye-catching football and this could prove to be a huge factor in choosing a new manager.