Ernesto Valverde has called on Barcelona to give Andres Iniesta the perfect send-off when the midfielder plays his final game for the club on Sunday.
The 34-year-old will bring the curtain down on his glittering career against Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp before moving on to pastures new this summer.
Iniesta, a European Championship and World Cup winner with Spain, has won 32 trophies during his 16-year spell in the LaLiga giantsâ first team.
And Valverde wants his side to ensure Iniesta ends his time at the club on a high.
âWe want to finish the year well against a good team,â Valverde told a press conference streamed live on Barcaâs official website.
âIt is an important game for all blaugranas because of what Andres Iniesta means and we want to end with a victory.â
Iniestaâs departure will create a big hole in the LaLiga championsâ side, but Valverde is confident they can cope without him.
âWe wonât get a replica of Andres Iniesta,â Valverde added.
âWe have players like Denis Suarez, (Carles) Alena or (Philippe) Coutinho, who are similar but a little more attack-minded. All of us will have to make up for his absence together.â
Barcaâs hopes of finishing their league campaign unbeaten blew up in smoke after suffering a 5-4 defeat at Levante in their penultimate game last week.
Despite that disappointment, Valverde has applauded his players for the season they have produced.
âIâll give the team a good grade as it has been a long and hard campaign,â Valverde added. âWe have had a good end of the season.â
Barca are without suspended midfielder Sergi Roberto following his sending off against Real Madrid earlier this month.
Sociedad also have farewells of their own.
Defender Carlos Martinez, like Iniesta, is leaving after Sundayâs game and captain Xabi Prieto is retiring.
Prieto said Iniesta is âwithout doubtâ the best Spanish player he had ever faced and is looking forward to being there when his fellow 34-year-old plays his final match for Barca.
Prieto told radio station Cadena SER: âFacing him in his final farewell, is like a dream scenario, the chosen endingâŠ
âItâs going to be nice to be able to experience Andresâ farewell at first hand. Iâm sure it will be spectacular. A special evening.â
Sociedad arrive at the Nou Camp in 10th place in the table, one point behind Eibar and three adrift of Getafe.
Provided by Press Association Sport