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La Liga | Gameweek 20
Jan 19, 2020 at 8pm UK
 
Granada logo

1-0

Messi (76')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Sergio Busquets refuses to compare Quique Setien to Ernesto Valverde

Sergio Busquets refuses to compare Quique Setien to Ernesto Valverde
© Reuters
Setien kicked off his reign at the Nou Camp with three points.

Sergio Busquets refused to be drawn on comparisons between former coach Ernesto Valverde and his replacement Quique Setien after Barcelona's 1-0 victory over Granada.

The Spanish Super Cup semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid 10 days ago prompted Barca to sack Valverde and replace him with ex-Real Betis coach Setien.

And the 61-year-old kicked off his reign at the Nou Camp with three points, his new side finally breaking their opponents down courtesy of Lionel Messi's 12th goal in as many games against Granada.

"There's no need to compare," midfielder Busquets told AS.

"Every manager has his own style and manner of seeing football. You'll see what Setien asked us to do.

"We won't be revealing what it was. We are happy with what Ernesto did and we are happy to have Setien now.

"It's better to have people up front and to press. There were moments in the game when we did that. We recovered it quickly and you have to grow and fight for everything."

Lionel Messi netted the winner for Barca
Lionel Messi netted the winner for Barca (Joan Monfort/AP)

Messi struck in the 76th minute, shortly after Granada defender German was sent off, to take Barca back to the top of LaLiga on goal difference.

Barca dominated the game throughout without creating many clear-cut chances until Messi's cool finish capped off a fine team move.

"It left some good feelings. We played solidly," Busquets said.

"We have control of the ball and we generated some chances. It's true that it cost us a bit when they retreated but in general the team played well."

Ricard Puig, a 20-year-old midfielder, was part of the move which led to Messi's goal after coming off the bench in the 71st minute.

"He has a lot of things to mature but you can see that he belongs here," Busquets added.

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3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
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17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


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