[Official] FC Barcelona dismisses Valverde... Successor is Seti?n of Real Betis

Newly appointed FC Barcelona coach Quique Seti?n / Photo by FC Barcelona Official Website

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] FC Barcelona has dismissed coach Ernesto Valverde and appointed Quique Seti?n, who was managing Real Betis.

On the 14th (Korean time), Barcelona announced the termination of the contract with Valverde through its official website and immediately stated, "Seti?n will take charge of Barcelona as head coach until June 30, 2022."

Barcelona plans to proceed with the appointment process of coach Seti?n on the same day. After signing the contract at 1:30 PM, Seti?n will have a photo session at the Camp Nou home stadium, followed by a press conference at 2:30 PM. At the press conference, Seti?n is expected to reveal the new strategies and direction he aims to pursue for Barcelona.

FC Barcelona announcing the dismissal of coach Ernesto Valverde / Photo by FC Barcelona

Valverde, who took over as Barcelona's coach in May 2017, achieved two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey victory.

However, due to poor league performance this season and a defeat in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atl?tico Madrid on the 9th, he lost the trust of fans and the board.

It is reported that Valverde participated in morning training and was informed of his dismissal by President Bartomeu in the afternoon.

Following Valverde, Seti?n, who led Real Betis for two years starting in 2017, took over Barcelona's helm. He was also mentioned as a candidate for Barcelona's new head coach a year ago, but Valverde was retained at that time.

Previously, Barcelona considered Xavi Hern?ndez, a former Barcelona player and current Al Sadd SC coach, and Dutch coach Ronald Koeman as successors to Valverde.

Xavi declined interest in a winter appointment, and Koeman left open the possibility of transferring after 'Euro 2020.' Therefore, Barcelona negotiated contract terms with Seti?n, considering the possibility of recruiting Xavi or Koeman during Seti?n's tenure.

Spanish media 'RAC 1' reported, "Seti?n's contract runs until 2022, but after a guaranteed six-month term, there are two one-year extension options."

They added, "Barcelona can terminate the contract with Seti?n without paying compensation whenever they decide to exercise the options."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.