Josep Maria Bartomeu has put an end to the ongoing debate about whether Ernesto Valverde should continue as Barcelona coach following the team's shock elimination from the Champions League. The Barça president attended a book launch, promoting a reprint of Manuel Ibáñez Escofet's classic biography Kubala, during which he publicly gave his support for Valverde to remain in charge for the new season: "He's the coach we want," Bartomeu told reporters at the event, adding that the 55-year-old "has the support of the president and board of directors - as I said the other day".

Magnificent season

As far as Bartomeu is concerned,Txingurri's project at the club is designed for the medium to long-term. Valverde agreed new terms with Barça back in February, signing a deal which will keep him at Camp Nou until the end of next season with the option of a one-year extention. "He's under contract and we're happy with him," the Blaugrana president continued, adding, "Besides, there are player who he plans to sign and we'll see what happens after the [Copa del Rey] final. In general it's been a magnificent season. The objective was to win the league and after that, we wanted the Cup and the Champions League. All of us want more. Now we have the Cup final, which we go into after a painful defeat. Now is all about the players recovering from the trauma of being knocked out of the Champions League. It's important for them to regain their spirit and desire to compete".