Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Setien won't resign, unfazed by Messi outburst

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Saturday, 18 July 2020 06:09

Beleaguered Barcelona coach Quique Setien has said he did not feel criticised by Lionel Messi's outburst after Thursday's shock 2-1 defeat to Osasuna and insists he has not thought about resigning.

Messi branded Barca "inconsistent" and "weak" in an angry postmatch interview after Real Madrid were crowned La Liga champions for the first time since 2017.

The forward also said performances since January had been especially bad. That comment was interpreted by many as a dig at Setien, who replaced former coach Ernesto Valverde in the Camp Nou dugout at the turn of the year with the team top of the table at the time.

"No, not at all," Setien said in a news conference on Saturday when asked if he felt singled out by Messi. "I think in certain moments we all say things that are interpreted badly. It's the fruit of a moment of frustration."

Messi went on to say that if drastic changes are not made then Barca would lose to Napoli in the Champions League next month as the club face the prospect of a first trophyless season since 2007-08.

"Some things we agree on and other things we don't," Setien added. "[Messi] is right to say that if we play as badly as we have done in some games we won't win anything.

"But we have also played well in other games and, playing like that, we could win things. We have to be more consistent. If we manage to play as we did against Villarreal, we could win the Champions League."

Sources told ESPN after Barca's draw with Celta Vigo in June that Setien's relationship with his players was strained. He admits it has been challenging to control a dressing room that has enjoyed so much success.

"The players here have been winning everything for the last 15 years and the management [of these players] is totally different to other teams," he said. "There have been some situations that have been difficult to resolve, but I don't think anything out of the ordinary in a dressing room like this one."

President Josep Maria Bartomeu is aware of the delicate relationship between the coach and the players but sources say he doesn't want to make a snap decision despite the increasing pressure on Setien.

However, sources revealed to ESPN that the Osasuna loss, which ended a 42-game unbeaten streak at Camp Nou in La Liga, led to crisis talks between Bartomeu and Setien on Friday.

"It's normal that there are meetings of this type," Setien said, confirming the talks. "We are all restless to improve. We try to look for solutions to change things and that's what the meeting was about."

Asked if the toxic atmosphere had made him consider his future, Setien responded: "The day I arrived I said I was going to enjoy myself until the last day. I am still enjoying myself despite the circumstances -- I never thought it would be easy.

"I am not experiencing anything I haven't experienced before. At no moment have I felt that I wanted to leave."

Barca conclude the La Liga season at Alaves on Sunday. Due to injuries and suspensions, they have just 16 players available for the game, including four B team players and three goalkeepers.

The squad will then have a week off before returning to prepare for the second leg of the round-of-16 tie with Napoli in the Champions League at Camp Nou on Aug. 8. The first leg ended 1-1 in Italy in February.

Read 391 times

Soccer

Mo Salah glum on Liverpool future: 'More out than in'

Mo Salah glum on Liverpool future: 'More out than in'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMohamed Salah has said he is yet to receive a formal contract offer...

Galaxy hit 6 to rout Loons; Sounders next in West

Galaxy hit 6 to rout Loons; Sounders next in West

Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic each scored twice -- with one goal in each half -- a...

Amorim: United set for long period of suffering

Amorim: United set for long period of suffering

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRúben Amorim said Manchester United will have to "suffer for a long...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCharlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams sustained season-ending te...

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsScotty Pippen Jr. already had plenty of fond memories of watching h...

Baseball

Woodward returns to Dodgers as first-base coach

Woodward returns to Dodgers as first-base coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- Chris Woodward has been named first-base coach by th...

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

EmailPrintRico Carty, who won the 1970 National League batting title when he hit a major-league-best...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated