Barcelona SACK Ernesto Valverde despite being top of LaLiga table with Quique Setien to replace him immediately

BARCELONA have SACKED Ernesto Valverde despite sitting top of LaLiga with Quique Setien to replace him.

The beleaguered boss received his marching orders on Tuesday after just one win in his last five matches, with Barca confirming the news on social media.

A statement on the Barcelona website read: "The club publicly expresses its gratitude to Ernesto Valverde for his professionalism, his commitment, his dedication and his always positive treatment towards all that make up the Barca family.

"We wish him luck and success in the future."

And former Real Betis manager Setien, 61, will replace him at the helm, a year after originally being linked with the Barca hot seat.

Setien has signed a contract to lead the club until June 2022 - he will be officially unveiled at the Nou Camp on Tuesday at 1pm UK time.

Valverde becomes the first Barcelona manager to be sacked mid-season since Louis van Gaal in 2003.

Valverde had been under pressure for some time after criticism of his playing style and man management skills.

Antoine Griezmann has scored just seven league goals since his £107million summer move from Atletico Madrid.

And doubts began to emerge over the futures of several players including Arturo Vidal, who is said to have fallen out with Valverde ahead of a move to Inter Milan.

Thurday's 3-2 Spanish Super Cup semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid proved to be the last straw for Valverde.

And the Chilean has now packed his bags, clearing the way for Setien.

The former Real Betis and Las Palmas manager has previously been linked with the job - but did not appear to be a leading candidate in recent weeks.

Catalan icon Xavi was reportedly approached by Eric Abidal last week.

But he turned down the offer after deciding to stick with his new life in Qatar instead.

Mauricio Pochettino was a high profile name linked with the job after being sacked by Spurs earlier this season.

But the Argentinian previously declared he would NEVER manage the Nou Camp club because of his links to local rivals Espanyol.

With a trip to Valencia on the horizon, Barcelona chiefs acted swiftly by bringing in Setien.

The three-time former Spain international played for the likes of Atletico Madrid and Racing Santander before moving into management in 2001.

Setien has taken charge of teams including Lugo, Las Palmas and even Equatorial Guinea.

His most recent spell was at Real Betis between 2017 and 2019.

And Setien must adjust to life quickly as Barca look to seal a third straight league title.