Why Barcelona Fans Detested Ernesto Valverde’s Coaching

Despite achieving notable successes under Ernesto Valverde, the former coach of FC Barcelona, the club's fanbase remained deeply divided. The reasons for this division are multifaceted, with several key issues contributing to a growing dissatisfaction that ultimately led to his departure. This article delves into the common criticisms levelled against Valverde, paving the way for a better understanding of what drove Barcelona's supporters to this position.

1. Lack of Style

Barcelona is renowned for its mesmerizing playing style, heavily influenced by the legendary Johan Cruyff and further developed by Pep Guardiola. The club is synonymous with beautiful, possession-based football. However, Valverde's tenure was marked by a switch towards a more pragmatic, defensive approach. This shift was seen by many supporters as a significant departure from the club's identity. Fans yearned for the kind of attacking style that had made Barca unforgettable, and they expressed their disappointment through vocal protests and criticism.

2. Champions League Failures

One of the gravest complaints against Valverde revolved around the club's performance in the UEFA Champions League. The team's dramatic exits from European competition, particularly the 2018 and 2019 editions, were a source of great frustration. In 2018, Barcelona's team stumbled following a 4-1 advantage in the first leg, eventually exiting to AS Roma. Similarly, in 2019, the team crumbled against Liverpool, losing 4-0 after securing a 3-0 win in the first leg. These crushing defeats were not just sporting failures but also failures in tactical adjustments and mental fortitude.

3. Overreliance on Messi

The third major criticism levelled against Valverde concerned the club's overreliance on Lionel Messi. While Messi is undeniably one of the greatest footballers of all time, the team's tactical system was criticized for being overly dependent on his individual brilliance. Some observers felt that the team lacked a cohesive tactical system and that conventional footballing principles were compromised in favor of Messi's exceptional abilities. This reliance made the team vulnerable, especially when Messi was not at his best, leading to a sense of inconsistency and fragility.

4. Failure to Develop Young Talent

Barcelona has a prestigious youth academy, La Masia, which has produced numerous star players. However, under Valverde, this institutional strength was underutilized. Many young talents struggled to gain regular playing time, leading to disappointment among the fanbase. Fans desired a coach who would foster a nurturing environment where emerging talents could develop into first-team regulars, rather than relying on experienced players alone.

5. Lack of Tactical Flexibility

Valverde was frequently criticized for his conservative approach to tactical decision-making. He was seen as unwilling to make bold changes during matches, and his substitutions were often perceived as too late or ineffective. His game plans lacked the necessary variety and creativity that brought Barca their greatest successes under previous managers. This rigidity was a source of frustration for many fans who called for a more dynamic and adaptable approach to matchday strategy.

6. Domestic Dominance but No Progress at the European Level

While Valverde's Barcelona achieved success in the domestic arena, winning two La Liga titles and other domestic honors, the team's performance in European competitions fell short of expectations. The constant failures in the Champions League overshadowed the domestic triumphs, leading to a sense that the club was not making progress at the highest level. This disparity between domestic and European success exacerbated the fans' dissatisfaction, as they yearned for consistent excellence across all fronts.

These factors collectively contributed to a growing dissatisfaction among sections of the fanbase. As the criticism mounted, it eventually played a role in Valverde's departure, marking the beginning of a new era for the club.