President Bartomeu backs Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde
Josep María Bartomeu defended the work of the "esteemed" coach on Saturday
Barcelona president Josep María Bartomeu has once again backed coach Ernesto Valverde, praising his work in his first season in charge and backing him to bring the club more titles.
"In Valverde we have an esteemed coach, someone who believes in our model, has brought the club the league title and the cup, and who will keep delivering trophies," Bartomeu said at Saturday's AGM.
He added: "I want to congratulate Ernesto Valverde. Last season was very good, although not excellent because of the way we went out of the Champions League, which we're not proud about.
"With [Valverde] in charge, the success will continue. We have a manager of prestige who understands the club's philosophy."
Bartomeu also said that Barça "have to tie down the talent coming from La Masia. It takes a lot to convince the players that La Masia is the way to go. The parents come, the agents come... and these state-own clubs are making them huge offers, which makes it difficult to keep hold of them."
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