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Manager
Ernesto Valverde - FC Barcelona
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Critics will be present throughout world football, and the bigger clubs always come with even bigger expectations. Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde may not be perfect, but he has his squad playing well and sitting atop LaLiga at the moment.
The 54-year-old coach was facing a tricky week, but certainly made the right choices throughout the past few days. After a 4-0 win at fellow Catalan club Espanyol, Barça hosted Tottenham in the UEFA Champions League. With first place in the group already secured, Valverde rotated the line-up effectively so that they were properly prepared for Sunday at Levante.
The result? A 5-0 thrashing thanks to yet another Lionel Messi masterclass.
Valverde has the luxury of immense quality in his team, able to utilise some of the best footballers on the planet each and every week. There is also an emphasis on producing the kind of Barcelona football that fans have come to know and love. It is a unique balance, but he is currently getting the most out his group.
The Blaugrana aim to complete 2018 with another victory, hosting Celta Vigo on Saturday before the winter break.
