Lionel Messi delivers Ernesto Valverde verdict as Liverpool vs Barcelona inquest continues
Posted Saturday, June 01, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk
Lionel Messi has backed Ernesto Valverde to get things right at Barcelona (Pic: GETTY)
BARCELONA are giving zero consideration to sacking manager Ernesto Valverde, according to reports.
And the 55-year-old seemingly also has the full support of talisman Lionel Messi.
Valverde came in for intense criticism at the end of Barca's season, despite successfully defending their La Liga crown.
Their Champions League campaign ended in astonishing fashion as the Catalans capitulated at Anfield.
Despite having the cushion of a 3-0 lead from the first leg, Barca surrendered 4-0 to Jurgen Klopp's side in a hostile environment.
To make matters worse, Messi and co. then slumped to an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to underdogs Valencia in the Copa del Rey final.
Speculation was rife in the aftermath that Valverde would lose his job, and Mundo Deportivo even named a list a four potential replacements who were being considered.
But Messi has played down the rumours, insisting that the manager should not be blamed for the team's failures on the pitch.
"I think the coach has done an impressive job," the legendary striker said.
"I think in that elimination against Liverpool, he is practically blameless.
"We are the only ones to blame for that match.
"It was unfortunate the match we played, the image we left behind.
"That happened two years in a row, that we missed out on the Champions League final.
"The truth is what happened cannot be allowed. We were playing a final.
"He will be as guilty as everyone else in the locker room but the ones who [are most guilty] are us."
Goal.com report that Nou Camp chiefs are fully prepared to begin next season with Valverde still in charge.
Ronald Koeman, Massimiliano Allegri, Unai Emery and Roberto Martinez have been linked with succeeding him in the Nou Camp hot seat.
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