Valverde may take a decision which would complicate Barça manager search

Barcelona are in the final stage of their manager search and this week all eyes are fixed on Ernesto Valverde. The Athletic Club president, Josu Urrutia, will hold a press conference on Thursday. He will speak about all aspects of the club and will have to explain the manager situation at San Mames. 

In Bilbao, both the media and sources within the club are clear that Valverde will not renew after fulfilling a four-year cycle. But it is not clear if he will go to Barcelona. It's not been ruled out that the coach will take a one year off ahead of the possibility of then coaching in the Premier League. 

Despite the uncertainty over Valverde's situation, both he and the the club want the attention to focus on the fight for a Europa League spot. For that reason, it's unlikely Thursday will bring big news, although the calendar is tight and his departure should be announced within 15 days. It seems clear he will leave, because in the opposite scenario he would have signed a new deal. But his future remains unknown. 

Sevilla are also interested in Valverde, with Jorge Sampaoli set to leave for Argentina. If Valverde does decide not to coach next season, Barça would have a problem given he's the most reliable manager they're currently thinking of. 

In that case, Juan Carlos Unzue would remain on the table and the club would have to look for an alternative to strengthen the list of possible replacements for Luis Enrique, for people with Barça DNA.