LaLiga English

[VIDEO] Barcelona sacked Valverde, but who is their new manager Setien?

Barcelona have made a quick decision to sack Ernesto Valverde following embarrassing exit from Supercopa Espana semi-final.

However, while Xavi has been touted as the man to replace Valverde, Barca have decided to appoint former Real Betis manager, Quique Setien.

Not many have realized that Setien was linked to take over the Barcelona managerial position over the recent years, but nothing come out it.

It was possibly due to the fact Valverde won La Liga title, despite losing Copa del Ray in the final, and Champions League semi-final exit to Liverpool.

While Barca appointed Setien for only two years, it’s quite clear they are a fan of him.

Setien has always been reportedly fond of football philosophy from Barcelona.

“On the field, I tried to move freely and play my game and it was only when I saw Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona play that I started to understand how things really worked. I learned a lot from them,” he said to Marca.

“My game model is based mainly on the relationship with the ball, that is my maxim.

“If you have the ball, nobody can score against you, unless you put the ball into your own net, of course. And players enjoy football much more with the ball at their feet rather than running after it.

“I always try to convey these beliefs to my players and let them know that they should try to keep the ball longer, get into the opponent’s penalty area and therefore multiply your chances of winning.

“If you try to keep the ball, then everything will be much simpler and my way of doing things can be implemented on any team.”

This football philosophy is similar to the one Pep Guardiola implemented many years ago until his departure.

With Setien, Barcelona could return with the attacking style they used to play in the upcoming games this season.