After the end of the 2016/17 season, Barcelona left the head coach Luis Enrique. In his place came ex-mentor Atletico Ernesto Valverde.

The leader of the Catalans, Leo Messi, who is still on vacation, spoke about his expectations of working together with Valverde.

"With the new coach everything will be new," Messi said in Tokyo at an event organized by the new sponsors of Barcelona by Rakuten. - "I do not know what kind of coach he is, but I know that he is an excellent person".

"Valverde coached Valencia and Athletic Bilbao, we've heard a lot about his very good reputation, so we pin our hopes on him".

Personally, I'm very happy and looking forward to the new season. Opportunities to work with a new coach and his assistants. I want to enjoy Barcelona for more than one year, "- added Messi.