Andres Iniesta Says Barcelona Acting Ugly With Valverde

Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub EditorJoseph GolderAgencyGolder’s News And Sport 

Andres Iniesta has said “the way things are being handled is ugly” when speaking about the reported impending sacking of Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde – with Mauricio Pochetino earmarked as his successor.

Former Barcelona midfielder Iniesta, 35, made the comments during an interview with radio programme ‘El Transistor’ broadcast by Spanish network Onda Cero where he spoke about Barcelona’s situation with their current boss Valverde, 55.

Picture Credit: Golders/@andresiniesta8

Iniesta said: “Well, the first thing that comes to mind is the way that things are being done is ugly.

“As much as you want a person to be in charge or not, like Valverde is, I think your respect for the manager should always be there. In the end, the way we do things can hurt.”

The comments come after Barcelona’s 3-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Supercup semi-final which reportedly prompted the club’s front office to start searching for a new manager.

Picture Credit: Golders/@andresiniesta8

Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, 47, and former Barcelona superstar Xavi Hernandez, 39, reportedly both turned down the offer to manage the Spanish club giants.

Local media report the situation has left Valverde in a precarious situation as he is set to continue managing the club as they look for someone to take his job.

Iniesta went on to say: “If the club speaks to another person, one almost always knows, but it sums up to the way you do things and in this case, I do not think that they are the best.

“This is leaving Valverde in a delicate situation.”

Picture Credit: Golders/@andresiniesta8

When speaking about his relationship with Valverde, who was Iniesta’s boss in his final year at Barcelona, the midfielder said: “It was very good. We have spoken throughout the year a couple of times and it has been good.

“Beyond a person liking a manager or anybody, I think the situation right now is not nice for the squad, the boss or the fans. Let’s hope it gets sorted as best it can.”

Barcelona are set to play Granada on Sunday 19th January as they fight to maintain their top position in La Liga. They are level with Real Madrid on points but are first on goal difference.

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.