Ernesto Valverde's sacking by Barcelona re-ignites 'Divock Origi curse' talks

LaLiga champions FC Barcelona have sacked their manager Ernesto Valverde on January 13, 2020. The club have named Quique Setien as the next manager for the Catalan giants. However, Valverde’s sacking has re-ignited debate on the ‘Divock Origi curse’.

According to the debate, Origi had scored three braces - against Everton, Arsenal and Barcelona. Managers of all these clubs have been sacked since then.

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

Divock Origi scored twice to knock out Barcelona from the Champions League

Liverpool forward Divock Origi was instrumental in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph last season. Barcelona and Liverpool faced off in the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final. Barcelona were leading 3-0 on aggregate after the first leg, but were knocked out by the Reds after they smashed the Catalans 4-0 at Anfield. Divock Origi scored twice to help his side reach the Champions League final.

Also Read | Barcelona supporters celebrate Ernesto Valverde's sacking on Twitter

Divock Origi scored a brace against Everton in the Premier League

Liverpool played against Everton in the Premier League in December 2019. The Reds cruised past their opponents with ease, scoring five past the Everton defence. Divock Origi scored twice to ensure a comfortable win for Jurgen Klopp. The defeat marked the sacking of Everton manager Marco Silva. He was subsequently replaced by Carlo Ancelotti.

Divock Origi equalised in the injury time against Arsenal

Divock Origi scored an equaliser in the injury time of the Round of 16 clash of Carabao Cup. The thrilling clash saw both the sides score 5 goals each. However, the game ended in Liverpool’s favour after Arsenal could not maintain their momentum in the penalty shootout. Origi had scored earlier in the 61st minute as well. Arsenal manager Unai Emery was subsequently sacked in November 2019 and later replaced by Mikel Arteta.

Also Read | Barcelona SACK Ernesto Valverde, appoint Quique Setien as new head coach

'Drake Curse' is also being debated by netizens

Canadian rapper Drake is also considered a curse by fans. It is believed that whenever the artist supports a team, that team suffers, giving rise to the ‘Drake Curse’.  ‘Drake curse’ was again in the spotlight after Baltimore Ravens lost to the Tennessee Titans in the NFL playoffs on January 12. The debate has been re-ignited because he had wished Lamar Jackson a happy birthday on Instagram.

Also Read | Iniesta SLAMS Barcelona for Ernesto Valverde treatment amid Xavi rumour

Image courtesy-Premierleague.com/Barcelona Twitter handle