Ernesto Valverde becomes first Barcelona manager in 17 years to be sacked mid-season

LaLiga champions FC Barcelona sacked ir manr Ernesto Valverde on January 13, 2020. club wasted time to replace Valverde with Real Betis coach Quique Setien as next manr for Catalan giants.

However, Valverde’s sacking is seen as an unusual move as Barcelona sacked a manr in midst of season after 17 long years.

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Ernesto Valverde was criticised for his Champions League approach

Ernesto Valverde h joined Barcelona in May 2017 to replace Luis Enrique. He mand to win two LaLiga titles with club, however, he was also criticised for his approach in 2018-19 Champions League. During his stint, Barcelona were kcked out consecutively from Champions League by AS Roma (2018) and Liverpool (2019).

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Barcelona last sacked a manr mid-season 17 years ago

last time Barcelona h sacked a manr while season was in progress was way back in 2003 when Louis van Gaal left club after just one season at Camp u. On Tuesday, Barcelona released a statement saying that club and Ernesto Valverde have reached an agreement to terminate contract that united both parties.

club also expressed its gratitude to Valverde for his professionalism, commitment, dedication and his positive treatment towards club.

Ernesto Valverde h six months left in his contract, with an option to extend it furr by a year. However, manr was sacked after team’s dismal performance in 2019-20 season.

Though Barcelona is currently leing in LaLiga, y were kcked out by Atletico Mrid in semi-final of Spanish Super Cup recently.

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Xavi was reportedly considered as Ernesto Valverde's successor

Since defeat against Atletico Mrid, re h been frequent reports of former Barcelona star Xavi taking charge at club. However, Xavi’s present team Al Sd h categorically denied any such move from Spaniard. Xavi too is believed to have me it clear that he would t join  club in middle of campaign.

Barcelona will next play against Grana in LaLiga

A former Spanish midfielder, Quique Setien has mand likes of UD Las Palmas and Real Betis, having a vivid experience of managing in Spanish top-flight. He is set to man his first game with Catalan giants against Grana in LaLiga on Sunday, January 19, 2020 (January 20 IST).

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