Wednesday 31 May 2017 10:24, UK
Andres Iniesta insists Ernesto Valverde has the skill set required to become a successful manager at Barcelona.
The 53-year-old former Barcelona player will replace Luis Enrique, who announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.
Valverde, who had been in charge of Athletic Bilbao for the last four seasons, has signed a two-year deal.
The Catalans have just endured a disappointing campaign as they lost their La Liga title to rivals Real Madrid.
But Iniesta is confident that under the stewardship of the new boss, Barcelona can kick-on.
"As with any new project, we have to aim for the best," Iniesta said.
"The coach is more than capable of managing Barcelona, otherwise he wouldn't have been picked.
"Therefore we will come back next season with huge excitement and also with the intention of making that step forward we didn't make this season.
"The demands of Barcelona are always like that so that won't change so I'm convinced it can be a great season if we do things right."
Prior to winning the Spanish Cup final last weekend, Iniesta cast doubt over his Barcelona future by stating he did not know if he would be extending his contract in Catalonia, which expires in the summer of 2018.
However, Iniesta has clarified his comments stating his intention to retire at the club where he's made his name.
"I've said it a few times in the last month. I wouldn't say I'm tired of repeating it but I like thinking that at this stage of my career, I'll decide on my future," Iniesta said.
"I like being honest to myself and also with my club. For the time being I have the strength, the motivation and the conviction to keep performing at my best throughout the next few years. I have no doubts about that.
"But at the same time I feel that there are circumstances that make me consider some things. That's completely normal bearing in mind the situation.
"It could be depending on how the season goes, on what the club offers, on how I see it and also how they see it, I will look at my situation within the team then I will decide. I do not know what we will decide in the next few months.
"I still have a contract here and I'm still certain that next season could be a great one for us. Hopefully there won't be any setbacks.
"My wish has been always the same and that doesn't change, which is retiring at Barcelona. That's always been my wish since I got here aged 12. But of course there are always possibilities for something else."
