Barcelona names Ernesto Valverde manager to replace Luis Enrique

Barcelona announced the hiring of Ernesto Valverde as manager Monday, replacing Luis Enrique, who departs after three seasons at Camp Nou.

"Valverde has the ability, the judgement, the knowledge, and the experience," Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said of his new hire. "He promotes the youth players and he has a Barca way.

Bartomeu added: "(Valverde) is a hard worker and he is a fan of using technology in training and in managing matches."

Valverde, 53, becomes the latest former Barcelona player to manage the team, though he amassed more experience with Athletic Bilbao, where he made 170 appearances as a player and managed on and off for six years.

As a player, Valverde made just 22 appearances for the Blaugrana, helping the club win the 1990 Copa del Rey under manager Johan Cruyff. Valverde has previously managed Espanyol, where he spent two years as a player, and was also head coach at Valencia, Villarreal, and Olympiakos.

Last week, Valverde stepped down from his post at Athletic Bilbao and was replaced by Jose Angel Ziganda, a move made in anticipation of his eventual appointment at Barcelona.

It answers the question of who would step in to replace Enrique after the Spanish tactician announced his intention to depart the club in March, before the end of the 2016-17 season.

Enrique leaves after winning nine trophies, including his latest Copa del Rey victory last weekend. In his stead, names like Sevilla's Jorge Sampaoli and Enrique's assistant Juan Carlos Unzue were also raised, but Valverde was reported as the clear favourite.

His first task will be helping to secure a contract extension for Lionel Messi, who has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with Barcelona.