Ernesto Valverde: Double-winner and on course for a Treble, but the Barcelona coach is still not good enough for the critics

Bess July 04, 2020
Ernesto Valverde: Double-winner and on course for a Treble, but the Barcelona coach is still not good enough for the critics
There are many legitimate criticisms to be made over how relevant Barcelonas ‘more than a club’ motto is these days, but what undoubtedly remains true is that the question of style of how Bara should go about winning is still more important than for any other team.Its for that reason Baras announcement earlier this week that Ernesto Valverde would be extending his contract as head coach was met with mixed reviews.Virtually anywhere else, the decision to continue working with a coach who won a league and cup double in his first season, and is still on course for a treble in his second, would be seen as a no-brainer.But not at Camp Nou; or at least, not for a vocal section of the Barcelona support.

Lyon vs Barcelona is LIVE on talkSPORT 2! Tune into the Champions League round of 16 clash this evening from 7:30pm

The Blaugranas 1-0 win over Valladolid on Saturday will have done little to change the minds of Valverdes critics.Bara got the job done, taking a victory that ensured their lead at the top of La Liga remains comfortable, but it wasnt exactly a performance to tell the grandkids about in years to come. Peppered with moments of quality but at other times disjointed and lacking the zip on the ball Bara are known for at their best, the win was, in part, built upon individual excellence from key players like Gerard Pique, and also upon Valladolids chronic lack of quality up front; their ability to squander excellent counter-attack situations was often perplexing.For much of the match Barcelona played with a number of second-string players, and it is hardly a revelation that Kevin-Prince Boateng does not deliver the same qualities as Luis Suarez, nor Arturo Vidal the same as Arthur.Boateng completed a shock move to Barcelona last month4
Boateng completed a shock move to Barcelona last month
But the fans who long for the Bara football of old would argue that these days even a full strength XI is still too far away from the clubs positional-football identity.One extreme take on Saturday was that the reigning LaLiga champions are now ‘tactically lost’.With Valverdes record in his 97 official games now extending to 66 wins, 22 draws and only nine defeats, that seems harsh to say the least. A near 70 percent win percentage is not achieved without a thorough grasp of tactics and a clear plan, even if they arent the tactics some would prefer.Valverde has had to deal with the lofty weight of expectation4
Valverde has had to deal with the lofty weight of expectation
And, crucially, the players are happy enough with the approach of their current boss for dressing room heavyweights to back the club’s decision to extend Valverde’s contract.The same squad veterans who have the benefit of first-hand experience of what it was like to play for the best Barcelona sides are perhaps more realistic about how difficult it is to repeat the levels of performance from those days than some fans are.Valverde has the support of his senior players, such as Lionel Messi4
Valverde has the support of his senior players, such as Lionel Messi
Even if disgruntled observers complain that Valverdes team isnt excelling enough, straw polls suggest his detractors are far less certain, however, about who could do any better.Of the few names that tend to be put forward, there is always at least one significant caveat to be added.Real Betis boss Quique Setin, for example, favours an exciting style of football but has struggled to produce consistent results from his top flight teams; Betis have not won back-to-back games in LaLiga since December.Home-grown options such as former Bara Juvenil A coach scar Garca or current B team boss Garca Pimienta tend to be founded in a romantic view that they can repeat the exceptional step up made by Pep Guardiola, but that likely wouldnt stop the knives from coming out should results not quickly be delivered to match the more palatable brand of football.Results are what Valverde produces better than most, and even if the displays may not be as consistently dazzling as Guardiolas team, or as electric as the best of Luis Enriques, the ridiculously high standards in the Catalan capital make the current side out to be far more simplistic than it truly is.Valverde has been forced to follow era-defining Barcelona teams – and the expectations that come with thatgetty4
Valverde has been forced to follow era-defining Barcelona teams – and the expectations that come with that
It is tempting to think that many of the purists are in reality simply swayed by one solitary result in particular – Barcelonas dramatic collapse to Roma in last seasons Champions League quarter-final.If Valverde can right that wrong and bring home the clubs sixth European Cup later this year – continuing with tonight’s visit to Lyon, which is LIVE on talkSPORT 2 – will the same critics of his Barcelonas style still be as vocal?
Arnautovic is contracted at West Ham until 2022

But it is claimed that the new ground will not be completely finished by the end of this season. The $1.8 billion project boasts spacious changing rooms, sliding pitches which will be fit for NFL
New Spurs stadium: update on completion date and stunning
Ndong was sacked by the Black Cats but could do a job for you.

ROMELU LUKAKU showed his class by consoling Presnel Kimpembe after Manchester United's stunning European win. The Belgian striker scored twice to leave his side a goal away from reaching the
Man United striker Lukaku consoles heartbroken Kimpembe while
Philippe Coutinho is praying for a return to the Premier League

TOP STORY: Hazard in Chelsea U-turn? Eden Hazard to Real Madrid is a story that rarely has been off Transfer Talk since January, but now Hazard has dropped a hint that he could stay at Stamford
Transfer news live: Arsenal target 'very close' to deal, Man
Gerrard decided to begin his managerial career with one of the biggest clubs in world football

Silva welcomes pressure of title race as Manchester derby looms on City horizons Independent.ie Bernardo Silva has welcomed the pressure as title-chasing Manchester City prepare for a critical
Bernardo Silva insists Manchester City are relishing title
Lennon has done superbly since taking over Brendan Rodgers
Eric Cantona Instagram egg video: Watch Ally McCoist's
A Liverpool fan had this tattooed on his leg

Jordan Pickford will be asked by Everton chiefs to explain his alleged part in a pub brawl in Sunderland over the weekend. The England goalkeeper, who caused controversy at St James' Park last
Jordan Pickford: Everton investigating after goalkeeper
sports.weblife24.com/jordan-pickford-everton-investigating-after-goalkeeper-filmed-at-centre-of-pub-brawl-in-sunderland/
Jordan Pickford was at the centre of a pub brawl at the weekend, it has emerged. Footage obtained by The Sun appears to show the Everton and England goalkeeper involved in a fight outside a pub in Sunderland on Sunday.
Jordan Pickford: Everton investigate after video allegedly
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane celebrates his goal against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup

Still, at least they finally managed to get out of the Championship after all these years so at least they have that. Promotion wise, I think us and Leeds will go up automatically, we'll take the title and Sheffield United will win the playoffs, though aside from West Brom I have no idea who'll be joining them, though I'd be surprised if one of
Forest live - latest on Karanka's future, build-up to Leeds
Alderweireld was statistically superb at Southampton

Southampton ace Charlie Austin escapes FA charge for epic 'Parklife' rant Saints striker furiously accused the officials of losing his club two points after the 1-1 draw with Watford By Joe Miles
From Nollywood to pulpit: Eucharia Anunobi's untold
Deulofeu scores his first of the match

Everton are investigating footage of their goalkeeper Jordan Pickford allegedly embroiled in a brawl in his hometown of Sunderland . Per BBC Sport , a video emerged on social media in which
Watch Jordan Pickford's furious pub brawl as England
Could Liverpool be about to switch hands?
Leicester striker Jamie Vardy call Claude Puel a 'f*****g k
Arsenal ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Watford captain Troy Deeney has been asked by the Football Association to explain his comments following Wednesday's 3-3 Premier League draw at Bournemouth.
FA asks Watford's Deeney to explain comments - mnnofa.com
Vertonghen got himself on the scoresheet with a flying volley

Paul Ince believes Paul Pogba is 'bang average' and Romelu Lukaku 'brings nothing to the table' as he backed Jose Mourinho's decision to drop them from his Manchester United team.
Paul Pogba Slammed For Dance Celebrations
Samir Nasri is likely to leave West Ham

Jadon Sancho could play a starring role for England at the 2022 World Cup. The 18-year-old's dazzling displays with Borussia Dortmund saw him make his senior Three Lions debut against Croatia in
How Three Lions could line-up at World Cup 2022, with Jadon
sportsalert.org/2019/03/22/how-three-lions-could-line-up-at-world-cup-2022-with-jadon-sancho-callum-hudson-odoi-and-phil-foden/
Lethal All three stars could play a huge part in England's next World Cup campaign Jadon Sancho could play a starring role for England at the 2022 World Cup. The 18-year-old's dazzling displays with Borussia Dortmund saw him make his senior Three Lions debut against Croatia in October.
~ England: How Three Lions could line-up at World Cup 2022
Tags:

Post a Comment

0 Comments