Ernesto Valverde has been relieved of his duties as the coach of Barcelona, and Quique Setien has been appointed as his replacement.
Valverde, 55, was dismissed following the club’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final 3 – 2 defeat to Atletico Madrid few days ago.
In 2018, Barcelona suffered a shocking loss on away goals to Roma, despite winning the first leg 4-1, and a year later, had a 3-0 first-leg advantage overturned by Liverpool in a memorable comeback by the European Champions.
His successor, Setien, has been without a job since leaving Real Betis last June. He has signed a contract with Barcelona until June 2022, terminating Valverde’s two-and-a-half-year spell in charge.
A brief Barcelona statement read: “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.”