Spanish giants Barcelona have confirmed the departure of Victor Valdes who was the club u-19 team coach after reported disagreements with the management.
The former goalkeeper had returned to the club in July after attaining his UEFA Pro License, but three months into his first coaching job, he has been dismissed by the Catalunya over what are believed to be political reasons.
According to Spanish media, Valdes’ association with Victor Font who is planning to challenge current president Josep Maria Bartomeu during the 2021 election is the major reason he has been shown the door. Valdes and former midfielder Xavi are said to be Font’s point men. Valdes’ philosophy is also said to have raised eyebrows.
The club announced his departure in a brief statement released to the media on Monday evening. Signs that he was exiting were clear when he failed to travel with the team for Saturday’s game against Gimnastic in Tarragona. U19 team B Coach Franc Artiga has since replaced him.
“Barcelona has informed Victor Valdes on Monday that he is no longer U19A coach and no longer employed by the club,” read the club statement.
Valdes joined the Barcelona youth team in 1992 and rose up the ladder to the senior team where he played until 2014. In 2015 he joined Manchester United.
Victor Valdés Sacked as Barcelona Under-19 Coach Just 3 Months After Being Appointed – Disagreement with Head Coach Patrick Kluivert over tactics pic.twitter.com/jO8dtQtcVP
— Official FC Barcelona Crew (@MsFutbol3) October 7, 2019
Victor Valdes out, Franc Artiga replaces him as Juvenil B coach at Barcelona. Return lasted under three months
— Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) October 7, 2019
Victor Váldes… A TRUE Blaugrana to the core…
A Football Gentleman our stupid Board never deserved 😭😭😭…pic.twitter.com/rlsFsGdBT7
— Sara FCB 🇮🇶🇦🇺 (@SazaFCB) October 7, 2019
Victor Valdes has just been axed. Board want some puppet such as Valverde that they can control and do whatever they want with and not a coach with personality, outspoken, and is also a leader. Im sure VV will return one day when a new president takes the helm.
— El Máestro (@ElMaestrofcb) October 7, 2019