MX23RW : Friday, April 11 06:07:57| >> :120:28693:28693:

Quique Setien: 'Yesterday I was walking near cows, now I'm at Barcelona'

Quique Setien: 'Yesterday I was walking near cows, now I'm at Barcelona'
© Reuters
Quique Setien was announced as Ernesto Valverde's successor on Monday evening.

Quique Setien says he did not imagine in his "wildest dreams" that he would become Barcelona manager.

Setien has replaced Ernesto Valverde on a contract until the end of the 2021-22 season and was unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday.

"I want to thank this institution for giving me the chance," Setien said.

"Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this. I have to thank the club. I'm excited about this challenge and this project.

Yesterday, I was walking around my home town with cows around me and now I'm here at Barcelona managing the best players in the world.

Quique Setien

"That is the biggest thing I have to transmit to the players. I have to show the players that and normally it's not very complicated for me to transmit that."

Setien added: "Yesterday, I was walking around my home town with cows around me and now I'm here at Barcelona managing the best players in the world."

The 61-year-old former Real Betis boss takes over with Barcelona top of LaLiga, ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid on goal difference.

"I thank Ernesto Valverde for leaving me with a side that is top of the league," he said.

"My objective is to win everything! Everything you can win, this club has no other path to follow.

"Year after year, to win as many trophies as possible. I think the best way to victory is by playing good football. It doesn't always happen but it's not just about one day, it's about keeping it going."

Setien was asked about Lionel Messi as he has said in the past that he would cry the day the Argentinian retired.

"I said that about a lot of players," he said. "I have enjoyed watching Barcelona for several years, watching them on television.

"To be able to manage the best in the world, and his team-mates – he has great team-mates – I have spoken to him and others.

"I have always said that the admiration is one thing but reality is different. Everyone needs to have their place. Messi is Messi, (Sergio) Busquets is Busquets."

Setien will be in the Barcelona dugout for the first time at home to Granada on Sunday.

On his arrival, he said: "Every time a new manager comes in, there is a stimulus for everyone inside the dressing room. You notice it immediately.

"This stimulus that we saw in the session today, we need to maintain that and I have never met a coach who is the same.

"Many people say 'this coach is exactly the same', but the reality is we are all very different. I am very clear as to what Barca needs. I've seen this from outside, we've watched them and analysed them.

"There are a lot of things we are very clear about and we will try to transmit that. These are just words, though, and we want things that are long-lasting."

ID:386073: cacheID:386073:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:13128:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Quique Setien pictured in February 2019
Read Next:
Quique Setien: Five things you might not know about Barcelona's new manager
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona30214583295467
2Real Madrid30196563313263
3Atletico MadridAtletico30179449242560
4Athletic Bilbao301412446242254
5Villarreal29139751391248
6Real BetisBetis3013984137448
7Celta Vigo30127114443143
8Real Sociedad30125133032-241
9Rayo Vallecano301010103335-240
10Mallorca30117122937-840
11Getafe30109113025539
12Sevilla3099123441-736
13Osasuna3071493443-935
14GironaGirona3097143746-934
15Valencia30810123447-1334
16Espanyol2988133140-932
17AlavesAlaves3079143344-1130
18Leganes30610142947-1828
19Las PalmasLas Palmas3068163451-1726
20Real ValladolidValladolid3044221969-5016


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!