Barcelona to Keep Ernesto Valverde Despite Faltering Fan Backing

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has agreed a one-year contract extension until the end of the 2019-20 season, with an option for a further year.

Valverde will end the speculation surrounding his future by formally signing his new contract at the Nou Camp on Friday.

Valverde replaced Luis Enrique as manager in 2017 and guided Barcelona to the La Liga and Copa del Rey double in his first season in charge.

The Catalan club are on course to defend their league title and are currently six points clear of rivals Real Madrid in La Liga, with 15 games remaining in the season.

Barcelona are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League and will face Lyon in the first leg in France on Tuesday.

Despite his impressive domestic record, Valverde has faced criticism from some sections of Barcelona’s support.

Earlier this season the former Valencia and Athletic Bilbao boss had admitted he did not know if he would remain at the Nou Camp for the 2019-20 campaign.