Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has been sacked and replaced by Quique Setien despite the club being top of the LaLiga table.
Valverde, 55, took training on Monday morning amid intense speculation his time as coach was about to end and his fate was sealed later in the evening.
Agreement between FC Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde to end his contract as manager of the first team. Thank you for everything, Ernesto. Best of luck in the future. pic.twitter.com/zrIgB1sW2e
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 13, 2020
The former Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol manager has guided Barca to LaLiga titles in each of his two full seasons in charge, as well as winning the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup in 2018.
Former Real Betis boss Setien was named as Valverde’s successor soon after, on a contract until June 2022.
Quique Setién will be the new manager of FC Barcelona. Welcome!
➕ INFO https://t.co/EOP9MSFFJ1 pic.twitter.com/IkhzFGyxHf
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 13, 2020
There were rumours that the club was interested in bringing in legendary Xavi to replace Valverde, but the former midfielder reportedly turned down the chance as he felt he was not yet ready.
Let’s meet our new manager, @QSetien! Come on!
? https://t.co/f0YyKPYBjv pic.twitter.com/QwyUMDO7mm— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 14, 2020