Pep Guardiola supports Ernesto Valverde as speculation about the Barcelona coach continues

Pep Guardiola described Ernesto Valverde as "a spectacular coach" and encouraged the Barcelona boss to stay at Nou Camp this summer.

Although he led the Spanish giants to successive titles in the Liga, Valverde had to face increased pressure and it was suggested to sack him this summer after a poor end of the season.

A year after the defeat of the club's quarter-final against Roma, the Spaniard saw his team drop a three-goal lead in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against the final winner, Liverpool.

Although club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has expressed his support for Valverde, further questions about his future have come up after the defeat of the Barcelona campaign against Valencia in the Copa del Rey final.

Following this defeat, several reports suggest that the club was ready to part with Valverde, with officials such as Ronald Koeman and Roberto Martinez related to the job.

However, Manchester City boss Guardiola believes that Valverde has been a great coach and that his stint at Camp Nou has been a success.

"Valverde seems to me to be a spectacular coach, beyond the friendship that unites us," said the former Barcelona director at Radio Catalunya.

"He did a very good job in two years."

"It is true that Valverde lost in the Champions League, we all lose.

"A team that wins two consecutive leagues and makes a good football, I'm looking forward to its continuity, Barcelona is always faithful to its style."

Guardiola, who also represented the Catalan club as a player, led the club between 2008 and 2012 before leaving the post to take a sabbatical.

During his stay at Camp Nou, the 48-year-old led Barcelona to three crowns in La Liga, as well as two Champions League trophies and two Copa del Rey victories.

Despite reaffirming his love for the club, he also rejected suggestions that he could make a comeback after an extremely successful year in England.

"Barcelona coach? The stage as coach has pbaded," added Guardiola, who has led City to a national treble this season.

"Now, it's up to the new generations.

"Whenever I can, I go to Camp Nou."