OFFICIAL: Barcelona Confirms Quique Setien As New Manager

Barcelona have confirmed the appointment of Quique Setien on a two and a half year deal after the sacking of Ernesto Valderde.

Setien, 61, led Betis to their highest finish since 2005 and to the Copa del Rey semis before leaving in May.

He has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal and will be presented to the media at 13:30 GMT on Tuesday.

In a statement, Barca said they had reached an agreement with Valverde to terminate his contract and thanked him “for his professionalism, his commitment, his dedication and his always positive treatment towards all that make up the Barca family”.

Former players Xavi and Ronald Koeman were approached by the club to take over from Valverde this month, but both turned down the opportunity.

Reports suggested that Xavi, who is currently in charge at Qatarian side Al Sadd, was prepared to take the job at the end of the season, but the Spanish champions decided to opt for an immediate appointment.