Barcelona sack Valverde

Spanish giants Barcelona have appointed former Real Betis head coach Quique Setien following the sacking of Ernesto Valverde.

It’s the first time the club have dismissed a coach mid-season in 17 years and more surprisingly, it comes at a time when Barcelona are at the top of La Liga.

An official statement on the club’s website read,”The club publicly expresses its gratitude to Ernesto Valverde for his professionalism, his commitment, his dedication and his always positive treatment towards all that make up the Barca family. We wish him luck and success in the future.”

In Valverde’s last match in-charge, Barcelona were beaten 3-2 by Atletico Madrid in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The club have confirmed that Setien’s appointment will be officially announced at the Nou Camp on Tuesday, in the Presidents Suite at 8.30pm in a private event.