Coach Valverde says Barcelona’s style of play is sacred

Madrid, June 10 (IANS) FC Barcelona's new chief coach Ernesto Valverde says he will not be changing the style of play of the Catalan football giants. Barcelona have long been associated with a passing game, which developed under Johann Cruyff and reached its apex under the direction of Pep Guardiola.

Now the man who was named as the replacement for Luis Enrique in the Barca dugout at the end of the season, says he has no intention of altering what has become the Barcelona hallmark, reports Xinhua news agency.

"It is something that has become part of the team's legend," said Valverde in an interview on Barcelona's TV station; Barca TV.

The presence of forwards Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, all of whom are virtually guaranteed to start, limits the options of any coach looking to pick a Barcelona side, given that the trio are guaranteed to start and Enrique tended to play a 4-3-3 formation with three forwards and three midfielders.

Valverde used a 4-2-3-1 system at Athletic Club Bilbao for the past four seasons and hinted the 4-3-3 was something he could change.

"It's a system what Barcelona have used for a long time, although it is not exclusive and they have played using a 3-4-3 or even a 4-2-3-1, but independent of the scheme, what has to prevail is the style," said the new coach.

Valverde said that Barcelona's style was "based on their attacking midfielders and I have to continue with that, although I will give it my personal touch," he said.