Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde has spoken favourably of Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, stressing that he has had a "great career" so far.
Conte's future at Stamford Bridge appears to be in serious doubt following a poor run of form that has seen the Blues win just three out of 10 games in 2018.
Barca travel to Chelsea on February 20 for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie, and Valverde believes that critics have been too quick to write off Conte's achievements in England.
"Chelsea's head coach is the one who led them to win the Premier League title last year, he's won many titles, and he's had a great career," the Spaniard is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying.
When asked about the prospect of former Barca boss Luis Enrique succeeding Conte, Valverde replied: "You are making a big prediction, because at the moment nothing has happened.
"Do you want me to tell you what's going to happen in the future? Or about your prediction? At the moment there are no changes so far."
Conte, who has also managed Juventus and the Italy national team, signed a new contract at Chelsea last summer.
Giuseppe Labellarte
