Ernesto Valverde has begun his process of transforming Barcelona
After 8 years of tiki-taka, Luis Enrique tried to reform Barcelona by introducing the 3-4-3 formation and trying to implement a direct style of play. But he failed, and ended up winning nothing except for the Copa del Rey.
At the end of the season, Luis Enrique left the club after winning 9 titles in 3 seasons. He was replaced by Ernesto Valverde, who has taken inspiration from the former Blaugrana captain and added his little touches.
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At the beginning of the season, Valverde’s side were touted to endure a tough season. The club lost Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, and were outclassed by Real Madrid and Liverpool in the pre-season. Valverde also sanctioned the signing of Paulinho, a move which was widely ridiculed.
But he replied to his critics by leading Barcelona to consistent performances. The club did not play mesmerising football, as under Pep Guardiola or Tito Vilanova, but the system which Valverde implemented was efficient.
The Basque coach’s strategy gave Lionel Messi freedom which he never out before. It got the best out of the Argentine, and he linked up with Jordi Alba and Ivan Rakitić with more ease, pumping in goals as well as setting up Luis Suárez.
Now that the club have wrapped up the domestic double, its time for Ernesto Valverde to introspect and think about his plans for next season. There are many issues in the club that require addressing, like the future of André Gomes and the replacement for Andrés Iniesta.
Next: Samuel Umtiti returns to top form after rough spell
The first part of his reformation is complete, but Valverde needs to make good decisions if Barça are to win the treble next season.