FC Barcelona News: 15 January 2020

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Quique Setién takes his first double training session
An intense day for Quique Setién. The training activity at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper was only interrupted by the presentation of the new Barca coach. In his early hours at Barça, the Cantabrian has overseen a double session.

Quique Setién: The path to victory is to play good football | FC Barcelona
Quique Setién now talks as FC Barcelona boss. In the press conference during his presentation as Barça coach, the Cantabrian appeared delighted and emotional. With a smile on his face as he received the Barça shirt and with a tremble in his voice, Setién spoke his first words as the new boss, words that were well in tune with the Barça philosophy. We take a look at the highlights.

Bartomeu: ‘It was necessary to provide a boost to the end of the season’ | FC Barcelona
The president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, and the technical secretary, Eric Abidal, have explained the reasons why FC Barcelona changed their coach mid-season. At a press conference in which they both accompanied Quique Setién on the day of his presentation as the new coach, they said that “there was a boost needed until the end of the season.”

Messi and De Jong in the Champions League Ideal XI for 2019 | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi and Frenkie de Jong have been selected in the Ideal XI for the 2019 Champions League by fans from around the world via UEFA’s official website, once again showing the quality of the two players has not gone unnoticed around the globe.

Riqui Puig likely to receive senior call-up by Setien | Marca
The Quique Setien era at the Camp Nou has hardly begun in earnest, yet already there appears to have been a significant decision made over Riqui Puig, with the Spaniard likely to be called into the senior team after being left off Barcelona B’s own squad list.

Barcelona players publicly bid farewell to Valverde | Marca
A number of Barcelona players publicly bid farewell to their former coach Ernesto Valverde, including some of the leaders of the dressing room. The likes of Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez all sent positive messages to the outgoing tactician.

Barcelona were ‘naive’ & ‘disrespectful’ in how they handled Valverde sacking - Rivaldo | Goal
Barcelona were “naive” and “disrespectful” in how they handled Ernesto Valverde’s sacking, according to Rivaldo. Valverde’s three-year reign at Camp Nou came to an end on Monday when the club decided to relieve him of his managerial duties.

Bartomeu exclusive: “Xavi will coach Barça one day but now it’s Quique Setien” | Sport
Josep Maria Bartomeu has spoken about the chances of Xavi Hernandez taking over as Barcelona manager. The Barça president has spoken exclusively to SPORT’s Albert Masnou about the past few days at the club, which saw a move for Xavi to replace Ernesto Valverde but ended up with Quique Setien taking over.

Barcelona agree deal for Brazilian Matheus Fernandes | Football Espana
Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Matheus Fernandes of Palmeiras, according to multiple media outlets. El Mundo Deportivo draws on reports from his home nation that a deal of €7m has been agreed, alongside a further €4m in add-ons.

Source: barcablaugranes.com