"Solari is good, just like Zidane and Mourinho" – Valverde
The Barcelona boss appeared to stand up for the the Real Madrid coach, whose future hangs in the balance after Madrid's recent collapse.
Santiago Solari received the backing of Barcelona's Ernesto Valverde, who said the under-fire Real Madrid boss is a good coach.
Solari's future
Zinedine Zidane and José Mourinho have been linked with returns to the Santiago Bernabéu, where Solari is facing an uncertain future following Madrid's Champions League last-16 elimination.
Madrid squandered a 2-1 first-leg lead as the three-time reigning European champions were sensationally routed 4-1 by Ajax in the Spanish capital and outplayed in both matches.
Good coaches
Asked about Zidane and Mourinho, Barca head coach Valverde told reporters: "They're good coaches and I have no doubt about that, as they've demonstrated it.
"Just like Solari is as well."
It was a terrible week for Solari and Madrid, who lost three consecutive home matches against Barca and Ajax.
Back-to-back defeats to Barcelona at the Bernabéu saw Madrid lose in the Copa del Rey semi-finals and fall 12 points off the pace in LaLiga.
Madrid – third in the league standings – are away to Real Valladolid on Sunday, while Barca host Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.