A detailed analysis of how Ernesto Valverde transformed Barcelona

Is Valverde redefining Tiki-Taka?

Barcelona v Celta Vigo - Copa Del Rey

Tiki-taka was the key tactic used by Pep Guardiola during his excellent season at Barcelona when he led European Giants to win treble but Valverde’s ideas are much more reserved and balanced. He is very conscious of being balanced attack-wise and defense-wise, solid and not offering any weaknesses to opponents. Valverde is active before games as well as during the games.

The example of his pre-game tactics was against Real Madrid when he instructed the team to sit back in the first half and attack in the second half while his in-game tactics helped FC Barcelona to make a comeback against Real Sociedad. In their 0-5 victory over Real Betis, during the first half Barcelona was struggling to press but in the second half, they showed an excellent tiki-taka style passing which led them to victory.