Today’s whispers had no idea it was a cover
You have to wonder where Ernesto Valverde’s head is at.
Barcelona are top of the league, having walked La Liga last season and yet, the manager is under pressure at Camp Nou. In the past few days, after Barcelona had the audacity to start their new year with a draw against local rivals Espanyol, Leo Messi has said he has “complete confidence” in his head coach, while Luis Suárez (now sidelined for four months with a knee injury) has said: “Valverde’s future is with this club. He doesn’t carry any blame.” Naturally, club suits have been lining up Valverde’s successor with the Spaniard still technically at the helm. The disrespect is real.
Related: Barcelona in managerial limbo after Xavi Hernández turns down role