How Will Ernesto Valverde Do In His First Season With Barca?

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BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 31: New FC Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde poses for the media outside the FC Barcelona headquarters at Camp Nou on May 31, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

Domestic Success

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Yes, I do believe that Barca will regain the La Liga title under Valverde. There are many reasons for that. Unlike last season, Barca will be determined not to drop points in games against much weaker opponents. The players will want to get off to a flying start under the new manager. Valverde will also look to get the most out of every player at his disposal. This is something which Enrique failed to do in his ultimate season. He will have to make sure that some of the players signed last season, who performed miserably, are trained well to suit his tactics and play as he requires.

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Valverde’s tactics could see Barca revert back to a system where the midfield plays a pivotal role in the initiation and continuity of attacks, something which was not part of Enrique’s tactics. Players will adapt better to the traditional playing style and therefore feel more comfortable whilst on the ball and in the final third of the pitch. The 4-3-3 is likely to be a permanent fixture. Valverde will not look to play three at the back as his predecessor did. He will look to establish a defensive solidity that was missing last season.

Also, if Valverde does sign any new players, It will go a long way in ensuring that squad-rotation is not a futile exercise and actually reaps benefits for the team. However, Valverde biggest advantage is that all players will be treated as new players by him. They will also need to reinvent themselves to stay relevant in his team setup. I firmly believe that taking these factors into consideration and also taking into consideration Valverde’s ability as a tactician, I believe that the Blaugrana will be able to usurp the Los Blancos to the La Liga crown.