Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has slammed his former club's treatment of manager Ernesto Valverde and claimed their open search for a new coach is 'ugly'.
The La Liga leaders appear to be close to sacking the Spaniard following their loss to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup on Thursday.
Following Barca's discussions with former player Xavi, World Cup winner Iniesta has expressed his shock at how his former club is conducting their business.
"What comes to my mind a little, if all this is so, is that the way everything is being done is a bit ugly," Iniesta told Onda Cero per MailOnline.
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"I think that there should always be respect for the coach. The boss's situation position has been left very weakened.
"My relationship with the boss is very good. During the year we have been talking some times. Really beyond whether we like the coach or not, I think the situation is not pleasant for anyone: the coach, the team or the fans."
Valverde's position at Barca is hanging by a thread despite winning back to back La Liga titles.
Fans have begun to revolt against the 55-year-old and Sid Lowe reported the Barca hierarchy took notice of the boos in Saudi Arabia when his name was announced on Thursday.
However, it seems that Valverde may have to stay in the job for now as Al Saad boss Xavi has knocked back their offer to take over mid-season.
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A delegation is understood to have met with the club's record appearance holder in Doha last week, although the Spanish giants were reluctant to reveal what discussions took place.
When asked about his former midfield partner taking over, the Vissel Kobe midfielder added:
"The case of Guardiola who was at Barça B and then he took over the first team. The one who knows best is Xavi, he will have analyzed all the variables that there can be and let's see what happens."
He also discussed current Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, who also starred as a central defender for Barcelona in his playing days.
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"Koeman has a lot of experience as a coach and Xavi is starting out now. But a lot of times experience counts for nothing. Both of them have been at Barça and know the club."
Whoever is in charge for the rest of the season will need to be ready for an intense title race.
Barcelona are currently tied top with Real Madrid on 40 points.
They return to action on Sunday against Granada and it remains to be seen who will be in the Nou Camp home dugout.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Barcelona, Andres Iniesta, Ernesto Valverde
