Ernesto Valverde hired as new Barcelona boss

SPANISH coach Ernesto Valverde has been hired as the new Barcelona FC manager.

Club president Joser Maria Bartomeu said “Valverde has the ability, the judgement, the knowledge and the experience.

“He promotes the youth player and he has a Barça way.”

The former Barcelona player left Athletic Bilbao after four years in charge and will replace Luis Enrique with the task of getting the most out of a star-studded squad.

Valverde was responsible for one of Enrique’s heaviest defeat, when Barcelona lost 4-0 to Athletic in the 2015 Spanish Super Cup.

He also won three Greek titles in three seasons at Olympiakos.

The two-year contract has the option of a third season depending on the 53-year-old’s performance.

Luis Enrique said: “He has more experience than me. He should enjoy it.”