From cow field to Barca, Setien aims high
BARCELONA: Quique Setien is more used to navigating his way through a field of cows rather than taking centre stage on one of the world’s most famous pitches but the new Barcelona coach has pledged to bring an uncompromising attacking style of play to the Catalans.
Since he has spent most of his coaching career in Spain’s lower leagues, no one would blame Setien if he felt rather nervous at the prospect of taking charge of a team overflowing with some of the world’s most expensive footballing talent.
But Setien is eager to prove that his modest coaching past will not stop him from making his mark with the Spanish champions and at Camp Nou.
“Yesterday, I was walking next to cows in my village and today I was at Barcelona’s training ground coaching the best players in the world,” the 61-year-old, who takes over from Ernesto Valverde and has signed a contract until June 2022, told a press conference.
“This is an enormous club and it’ll never get better than this.
“I would never have imagined being here even in my wildest dreams so I want to show my gratitude for being given this chance and convey my excitement for taking on this challenge,” he added.
Barca have won the last two editions of La Liga and currently lead the standings but decided to sack Valverde on Monday after growing tired with the team’s recent uninspiring performances.
Setien was a surprise choice, although his reputation as an attacking ideologue has excited fans who feel their team have lost their swagger.
“My objective is to win everything there is to win and for me there is no better way to do that by improving each year,” the former Real Betis coach said.
“The surest path to victory is by playing well, it’s important to remember that.
“I have very clear ideas, I listen to everyone but it’s difficult to convince me to change my ways.
“I am my team’s biggest defender and I’ll die with my ideas.”