Barcelona contact Roberto Martínez as possible Valverde replacement
The Catalan has been sounded out in case a change is made
It's time to reflect and to begin to anlayse decisions for the future. Barcelona feel one of the reasons for their failings at the end of the season is on the bench and have begun to take measures to be prepared for whatever comes next. The Catalans have contacted current Belgium boss, Roberto Martinez, too ask about his availability in the case that Ernesto Valverde does not continue next season. Martinez was open and everything is now on stand-by while various meetings take place in the coming days. Martinez would be the favourite to take over if Valverde's cycle ends.
Barça president Josep Maria Bartomeu has always maintained his defence of Valverde. Even after the Copa del Rey final, he excused the coach, saying the loss to Valenvia wasn't his fault. A few days on, and with more time to reflect calmly, Bartomeu knows he must take a definitive decision which will be crucial for the club's future.
The club want to meet with Valverde to analyse the season and reach a common consensus on what happened. They value the work he's done so far and his management of the dressing room, but they also have in mind the public's possible negative reaction if he stays on. At the moment, there's nothing definitive. They want to hear from the coach before reaching any decision. Valverde was down after the cup final but assured he has the strength to stay on.
Martinez is the option which the board most agree on and the reports on him inside the club are very positive. The Catalan's name has been on the table in the past, but nothing has ever gone any further. He has given the green light to a potential appointment and is waiting to see what happens now. In any case, the Belgium boss knows he's the only candidate liked across the club's hierarchy.
Robert Martinez has spent the majority of his coaching career in England, where he's led Swansea, Wigan and Everton. In 2016, he took over at Belgium and led them to a third-placed finish at the world Cup last summer. He's good with the players, opts for attacking footballer and is a declared fan os Johan Cruyff. Let's see if there's any more contact.
