Valverde celebrates Sant Jordi with SPORT: Reading helps us in life

Passionate about photography, Ernesto Valverde devours books on the subject. But aside from that, he also has an interest in a wide range of other books. 

The Barcelona coach knows all about Sant Jordi's day, the patron saint of Catalonua. He's experience it as a player (1986-88) and a manager (2006-08) with Espanyol and, equally, as a player (1988-1990) and a manager (2017-present) with Barça. 

Born in Viandar de la Vera, Extremadura, his family moved to the Basque Country, where he developed as a football player. First at Alaves and later at Sestao, who he would leave for RCD Espanyol. 

What book's marked you most in the last year? 

The book I have enjoted the most in the last year is ‘Sentimental Journey 1971-2017' by Araki Nobuyoshi. I was marked by the story behind it and the sensitivity it shows. 

What three books would you take to a dessert island?

I would take books by Bernardo Atxaga, David Trueba and Jim Thompson, for example. They're three authors that I really like. 

What genre do you like? 

I love fiction, but above all books on photography.

Favourite place to read?

I really like reading at home, before I go to sleep.

Best time to read? 

Any moment when you fancy it is a good time to read. 

Has reading helped your career? Have you ever used anything you've read to help solve something with players? 

Yes, I think reading helps us all to tackle certain situations in our lives. You always find parallels in that sense. 

What arguments would you use to convince someone who's never picked up a book to read? 

That if you don't ready a book then you don't know what you're missing.

How do you spend Sant Jordi in Barcelona? Do you get the chancr to buy a book?  

Sant Jordi is the day I like the most in Barcelona. When I was in Bilbao, coaching Athletic Club, I still celebrated it and as a family we've always exchanged roses and books. I think it's a really nice and special day because of everything that surrounds it.