Ernesto Valverde Barcelona La Liga 07102018Manuel Queimadelos Alonso

Barcelona yet to make Valverde future call as deal runs down

Barcelona are yet to make a decision on whether Ernesto Valverde will remain their manager past the end of the current campaign.

The Camp Nou giants handed the former Athletic Club boss a two-year contract upon his appointment in the summer of 2017.

That deal includes the option for a 12-month extension, but neither side of that agreement has made a move to trigger that clause.

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Valverde did guide Barca to a La Liga and Copa del Rey double last season, but he has overseen a four-match winless run in the Spanish top-flight of late to spark talk of a possible exit next summer.

General manager Pep Segura admits future discussions are planned, but has told Sport: “Ernesto Valverde? He is on a two-year deal and there is an option to add a third, we will come to a decision which suits both parties.”

While no call has been made on the managerial front as yet in Catalunya, Barca are happy with their current playing staff and have no plans to dip into the winter transfer market.

Seguar added: “We have a stronger squad than last season and that was the objective, we have achieved that.”

Among those to have been drafted in over the summer was Chile international midfielder Arturo Vidal.

Arturo Vidal Barcelona 2018-19

The 31-year-old is a proven performer from his time at Juventus and Bayern Munich, but has cut a frustrated figure this season after seeing his game time restricted.

He has taken to airing his grievances on social media, with Segura calling on the South American to offer an apology to those he has disrespected at Camp Nou.

“He has made a mistake and he must fix it,” added Segura.

“He has shown disrespect towards his fellow team-mates and now there is the opportunity to put that right, which I am sure he will take.”

Vidal has made just two La Liga starts this season and seen only 164 minutes of total action in the Spanish top-flight.

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