Ernesto Valverde has said that his challenge at Camp Nou is to make Barcelona “even greater” than the era of Luis Enrique.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu announced the appointment of Valverde on an initial two-year deal on Monday.
The former Athletic Bilbao coach signed his contract before he was being presented at a news conference on Thursday.
He arrived in Barcelona on Wednesday, where he attended a photograph session at the Camp Nou.
He said also gave his first interview to the club’s in-house television channel.
“It’s a privilege to come here,” the 53-year-old said. “I feel very lucky that the club had me in mind and offered me the job.
“I am very excited about heading into this new stage of my career. It’s an enormous challenge and I have the intention of making Barcelona even greater than it already is.”
“It was a long time ago,” Valverde said. “I’m older now, my hair is grey and this is a totally different time. I’m a lot more conscious now of what it means to take this step. I was very young back then. I came back to other clubs, and now Barca too.”
Valverde promised that his team will be one which is “committed on the pitch and, above all, committed to its supporters,” adding that he hopes to continue the success which the club have enjoyed throughout the last decade.
“In the last several seasons, [the fans] have been able to enjoy great players and coaches,” he said.
“My idea is to keep it that way and to have them enjoy those things even more and to have them be proud of the team.”
He met Bartomeu and sporting director Robert Fernandez on Wednesday to begin planning for the summer that will see several players leave and several arrive.
Fernandez has reportedly drawn up a shortlist of potential signings and will now work with Valverde to help structure the squad for next season.
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