ERNESTO VALVERDE has become the first Barcelona manager to be sacked since Louis van Gaal was released back in 2003. Despite being top of La Liga, Barcelona made the decision to relieve Valverde of his duties and replace him with former Real Betis coach Quique Setien. Setien, 61, led Betis to their highest finish since […]
ERNESTO VALVERDE has become the first Barcelona manager to be sacked since Louis van Gaal was released back in 2003.
Despite being top of La Liga, Barcelona made the decision to relieve Valverde of his duties and replace him with former Real Betis coach Quique Setien.
Setien, 61, led Betis to their highest finish since 2005 and to the Copa del Rey semi-finals before leaving in May.
Valverde failed to reach a Champions League final and after letting a 3-0 first-leg lead slip against Liverpool last season, the pressure was on.
The nature of that defeat was similar to the one against Roma the season before, which didn’t convince the Barcelona board.
January 2003 was the last time Barcelona decided to sack a manager, with Van Gaal’s reign being cut short.
At the time, Van Gaal’s side were 20 points behind league leaders Real Sociedad, and just three points above the relegation places, sitting 12th in the table and were dumped out of the Copa del Rey by Novelda.
Since the sacking of Van Gaal 17 years ago, Barcelona have had six different managers.
Radomir Antic took over for six months before being replaced by Frank Rijkaard in the summer of 2003.
Rijkaard’s reign didn’t start well with fans calling for his resignation but the Dutchman managed to turn it around, winning the league twice and the Champions League in 2006.
After a five-year spell, Rijkaard was replaced by Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola racked up an impressive 14 trophies, including three league titles and two Champions League triumphs, during his four years at the club, as well as creating one the best footballing teams in history.
When Guardiola’s time at the club came to an end, Tito Vilanova took charge and went on to win Barcelona’s 22nd league title.
Vilanova’s spell was cut short due to ill health and sadly died in 2014.
Luis Enrique took charge in 2014 and enjoyed a successful three-year spell, which nine trophies, which included two league titles and a Champions League win in 2015.
It was then Valverde who was appointed manager in 2017 and his side went on a 29-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
The 55-year-old won two league titles but the inability to reach a Champions League final was costly.
It is now down to Setien to deliver what the Barcelona board want.
European success is key for the Spanish giants as well as implementing a fast-paced, high-pressing “Barca” style of play.
