LaLiga: Ernesto Valverde confirmed as Barcelona head coach

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has confirmed on Monday what the press rumours had already revealed during the past few weeks: former Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde will replace Luis Enrique as Barca head coach. The new head coach has signed a two-year deal, with an option for a third year. Last week Ernesto Valverde had announced that he would be leaving Athletic Bilbao after a four-year spell in charge. Luis Enrique led Barcelona for three years but decided to leave the club as his contract expired. Luis Enrique led Barcelona to significant success, he won the treble during his first season in charge, the domestic double in the second season, and the Copa del Rey this season. His last match in charge was the Spanish Cup final last weekend, in which Barcelona beat Alaves 3-1. President Josep Maria Bartomeu said that he trusts Valverde's "ability, judgement, knowledge and experience". The president also insisted that the new head coach matches the club philosophy: "He promotes young players and he plays the Barca way." Ernesto Valverde, aged 53, already has some experience as Barcelona as a player. He joined Barca from Espanyol in 1988 but only managed to score eight goals in 22 appearances for the club during his two seasons at Camp Nou. Then he moved to Athletic Bilbao, which is the most important club in his career, both as a player and as a coach. He has led Athletic Bilbao to a fourth-place finish in LaLiga in 2014, a remarkable achievement considering that the club only allows Basque players in the squad. Barcelona are 1/1 at SkyBet to win the LaLiga title next season.