Barcelona presented their new manager Ernesto Valverde on Thursday at a two-hour event at the Nou Camp in which the former Athletic Bilbao coach said he will have to work hard to keep the winning tradition of the club’s latest managers.

Valverde believes more is to come from Lionel Messi as he spoke of his excitement at working closely with the Argentine, whom he called the best player he has ever seen.

“I am very lucky and it is a unique experience to be able to train a player like him. He is the best player I have ever seen on a pitch. It seems that every time you think Leo Messi has reached his very top level, he will always surprise you with more the next day,” Valverde said.

“I hope to enjoy his game and help him as much as possible to improve if there’s something he can still improve, or to help him so he can continue to surprise us every day.”

Valverde, who is nicknamed “the ant” and is a respected photographer in his spare time, joins Barca after six seasons in charge of Athletic Bilbao, where he was the longest serving manager. He has also coached Barca’s city rivals Espanyol in addition to Olympiakos Piraeus, Valencia and Villarreal.

Asked about midfielder Andres Iniesta and the imminent decision on whether to continue at the club, Valverde said he will talk in depth with the Spain captain to get a better idea of his views.

He said, “I consider Iniesta a very important player for the team and for the club from all points of view, obviously also from what he can contribute to us on the pitch, of course. I will talk in depth with him and get his opinion.”

Valverde’s task will start in August when Barcelona is due to face arch-rivals Real Madrid for the Spanish Super Cup.

“The Supercup is an important incentive for this pre-season. It’s true that we have a previous game against Real Madrid in the United States, but the rival for this Supercopa makes that pre-season match a more special one. It makes it more than a preparation match. It makes it a trophy we want to win,” he said.