Barcelona News: Valverde Out, Quique Setien In

FC Barcelona changed its coach today, and instead Ernesto Valverde, they hired Quique Setien. After two seasons in charge at Camp Nou, the Basque was sacked, finishing his stint with Blaugrana without some noticeable trace.

Valverde’s Tough Burden

When looking at the overall results, Ernesto Valverde had solid results while leading Blaugrana. Two consecutive La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, are truly a respectable achievement.

However, painful losses in the Champions League knockout stages, which came after big advantages in the opening legs, were something the fans couldn’t forgive the 55-year old.

📜 Ernesto Valverde's letter of thanks to Barcelona 👇https://t.co/BARZij9fVc

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 14, 2020

A slap in the face against Liverpool one they lost 4-0 at Anfield is considered one of the biggest disgraces in the history of this powerhouse. Barcelona had a 3-0 lead from the first match, but failed to keep that and proceed to the finals.

Valverde’s low popularity was because he never fully used Barca’s offensive capabilities. With Messi, Suarez, Dembele, Vidal, Coutinho earlier, and other fantastic players, Barca’s play was far less lethal than with the previous coaches. And that is something the Catalonian audience isn’t willing to see.

The rumors about his disputes in the locker room, especially with Lionel Messi, reached the peak last season. Coming into this one, it was already apparent that there is a rift between the players and the manager.

A recent loss against Atletico Madrid was the final straw for Barca’s management, and after that game, Valverde was notified that his time as a manager ran out.

Setien’s Dream Come True

The newly appointed coach was thrilled with the recent development, saying that he can’t believe what happened.

“Not in my wildest dreams could I’ve imagined to coach Barcelona. I am very excited because of the future challenges. Yesterday I was taking a walk at my home with the cows, and now, I am in Barca, leading the best players in the world.”

The 61-year old was leading Betis last season, which was his biggest job in career. It is why many have doubts about this coach, and they say that his inexperience with top clubs and superstars might be a massive problem in the future.

He never had a season with a winning record, and during the stint in Betis, in 94 games played, Setien recorded 40 wins, 21 draws and 33 losses, or 42.5% winning. He would lead Los Verdiblancos to a sixth place in La Liga, and already in January 2019, the rumors appeared about Barca’s interest in this coach.

🆙 @QSetien is setting his sights high. pic.twitter.com/ggvu4Cnn1h

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 14, 2020

Prior to this job, Setien was leading Las Palmas, whom he saved from the relegation in the 2015/16 campaign after taking over the team in October.

According to the experts on Spanish football, Setien is a loyal follower of Johan Cruyff’s style of football, which demands constant pressure, attacks and lots of running, something Barcelona kinda lost over the past few years.

It is why president Bartomeu wanted this particular person in charge at Camp Nou.

Though, some suggest that the first choice was Barcelona’s legend Xavi, who respectfully declined the offer. The former captain added that he doesn’t want to leave Al Sadd at the moment.

We will see who Setien adapts to the new environment pretty soon. Though he doesn’t have too much time for adjustment, as new challenges come quickly, and that especially goes for the Champions League, where Blaugrana faces Napoli one month from now.