The future of Setien looks bleak after failing to defend the La Liga title.
Image source: fcbarcelona.com screenshot
It is always a humongous task to be a manager for Barcelona; the pressure to win everything – to a lesser extent, a treble – while not comprising with the style of play synonymous with the Catalans. Even Luis Enrique, arguably the most successful manager in recent times for Barca, had faced the same issue for not implementing Barca’s way of football. It is fathomable because of Barca’s rich history while having some revolutionist tacticians like Johan Cryuff and Pep Guardiola at the helm in the past.
Ernesto Valverde, who was the closest ever to being a non-cryuffist manager, was appointed by Barca in 2017 after Enrique’s departure – can argue that it was beginning of the end for Barca, orchestrated by Josep Mario Bartomeu and co. Valverde turned out to be successful in the domestic leagues, mainly because of an omnipresent Lionel Messi and a less-competent Real Madrid. But his shortfalls got exposed in the famous Champion League defeat against the minnows AS Roma. And the lightning did strike twice, this time it was against Liverpool in the semifinals. While it was seen as overdue to sack him, Valverde still headed to the 19/20 campaign as the manager, only to be scaled midway through the season.
Setien could soon be on his way out of Camp Nou
Quique Setien’s appointment came at a difficult time, with the club lacking desire and motive. At last, there were glimmering hopes for Cules to finally see a different style of play, which Setien became highly renowned for his time at Real Betis. Four months have gone by, Setien hasn’t changed anything but letting Real Madrid lift the league title. It has now put the Las Palmas in deep waters as he admitted about the uncertainty of his future at the Nou Camp.
“I am responsible for our situation, as I am the manager of the team,” said Setien. (h/t Marca)
“I hope we will face the Champions League this summer as a different team, but I am not sure about what happens next for me.”
Furthermore, reports also state that Bartomeu would meet Setien in the event of last night’s defeat against Osasuna, while the hopes of continuing as the Barca manager looks bleak for the 61-year-old
Upon returning from the pandemic, Barca were expected to maintain their leadership in the points table, but only to drop against Celta Vigo, Athletic Club and Atletico Madrid – which eventually cost the Blaugrana the title.
In the aftermath, Lionel Messi also weighed in on Barca’s slip up in the title race and pointed out the club’s complacency in recent times.
