Valverde believes Conte is one of the best managers around

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is one of the best around, according to Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde.

The La Liga leaders will take on the Blues on Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash and Valverde has been extremely complimentary of Chelsea in the build-up to the encounter.

Conte has come under criticism in large parts this season, with the Blues failing to replicate their consistently impressive form from last season.

However, Valverde feels the stick Conte receives is unwarranted and, as quoted by the Evening Standard, believes that the Italian boss is an exceptional coach.

He is one of the best managers in the world with a good record, not just what he did at Chelsea.

You can see the quality of his coaching in the teams that he coaches. He’s got the classic Italian qualities.

It’s sure to be an intense match between the two sides at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Chelsea will head into the game knowing that they have to make their home advantage count in the first leg, but Barca will be well aware that they have a chance to inflict more misery on Conte and his side.