Barcelona Football Club, one of the most successful and iconic teams in the world, has had a long list of notable managers throughout its history. In recent years, the team has undergone a few changes in leadership, with each manager bringing their unique style and philosophy to the club. In this article, we will take a closer look at the previous manager of Barcelona and his impact on the team.
The Previous Manager: Quique Setién
Quique Setién took charge as the head coach of Barcelona on January 13, 2020. He succeeded Ernesto Valverde and became the 61st manager in the club’s history. Setién is a highly respected tactician known for his commitment to possession-based football and attacking play.
During his playing days, Setién was a skilled midfielder who played for clubs like Racing Santander and Atletico Madrid. After retiring from professional football, he embarked on a coaching career that eventually led him to Barcelona.
Setién’s Philosophy
Possession-Based Football: One of the defining characteristics of Setién’s coaching philosophy is his emphasis on possession-based football. He believes in dominating games through precise passing and control of the ball. This style aligns perfectly with Barcelona’s DNA, as they have always been known for their technical proficiency and ability to keep possession.
Attacking Play: Setién encourages his teams to play with creativity and attacking intent. His tactical approach focuses on creating scoring opportunities by exploiting spaces and using quick combinations in the final third. The idea is not just to win games but also to entertain fans with attractive football.
The Challenges Faced
Setién faced several challenges during his tenure at Barcelona. One of the biggest hurdles was managing a squad with high-profile players like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Gerard Pique. These players had been accustomed to a different style of play under previous managers, and it took time for them to adapt to Setién’s methods.
Additionally, injuries to key players disrupted the team’s rhythm and limited Setién’s options. The absence of players like Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati meant that he had to rely heavily on the remaining squad members.
Setién’s Departure
Despite his best efforts, Setién’s tenure at Barcelona was relatively short-lived. The team failed to meet expectations during his time in charge, which ultimately led to his departure. Barcelona suffered a humiliating 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, which was a major blow for both the manager and the club.
After this disappointing result, Setién was relieved of his duties as Barcelona manager on August 17, 2020. His departure marked the end of an era and paved the way for Ronald Koeman to take charge as the new manager.
In Conclusion
Quique Setién brought his unique philosophy of possession-based football and attacking play to Barcelona. Although his tenure was marred by challenges and ultimately ended in disappointment, Setién will always be remembered as one of the managers who contributed to the rich history of this prestigious club.