Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has given his blessing for the club to appoint Ernesto Valverde by praising his ‘great job’ at Athletic Bilbao.
The 53-year-old’s departure from the San Mames was confirmed earlier this week and is the heavy favourite to replace the outgoing Luis Enrique at the Camp Nou.
"Ernesto has done a great job at Athletic over the last few years," Pique told reporters.
"He played here at Barcelona as a player and I think he could be a good option, but of course there are other candidates too.
"I can't decide myself on anyone and I don't know who will be the next manager but that’s not important. It's not my job and I haven't put a lot of thought into it."
Valverde played for the Blaugrana between 1988 and 1990, winning the Copa del Rey title and the UEFA Cup Winners Cup.