Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has defended manager Ernesto Valverde after the team's 2-1 loss to Valencia in the final of the Copa del Rey.
The Blaugrana missed the chance to make it five Copa triumphs in succession, as they toiled for long spells at the Estadio Benito Villamarin. It was a result that added more pressure on the coach, with sections of the Barcelona fanbase unhappy with his management.
Speaking after the loss, Bartomeu said the manager wasn't responsible for the loss, per Sam Marsden of ESPN FC.
"Valverde has a contract, he's the coach," said the club president.