LaLiga 2019/2020: 3 reasons why Barcelona were right to stick with Ernesto Valverde

#2 He has the support of the dressing room

Messi threw his weight behind Valverde

In the immediate aftermath of Barcelona's elimination to Liverpool, both mainstream and social media were charged with calls for Valverde's sack.

The circumstances in which he lost to Liverpool - throwing away a three-goal lead is simply not acceptable at a club like Barcelona, especially coming off the back of another three-goal capitulation the season before.

However, in response to calls for his head, team captain and talisman Lionel Messi came out publicly to support the manager, stating that he was blameless and all the criticism should be laid at the feet of the players.

Given all that the Argentine international has contributed to Barcelona, it comes as no surprise that his word carries a lot of weight around Nou Camp and his public show of faith on Valverde was enough to delay the 55-year-old's stay of execution.

Gerard Pique, who is also a dressing room heavyweight and bonafide Barcelona legend, also stated his wish for Valverde to continue as manager, while club president Joseph Bartomeu has always been solidly behind the former Athletic Bilbao coach.

Given the overwhelming support that Valverde enjoyed across the dressing room and board level, it would have been counterproductive to sack him, hence retaining his services was the best course of action.