Setien talks Riqui Puig, results, rondos and Granada

Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The latest from the new man in charge

Quique Setien gave his first pre-match press conference as Barcelona boss ahead of Sunday’s clash against Granada at the Camp Nou.

The new man’s delight at being Barcelona manager, his passion and enthusiasm for the game were all evident as he fielded questions from the press.

Here are the best bits:

Setien on Riqui Puig

The first thing is to get to know them. You know most of the first team but you don’t know them intimately until you work with them for a long time. Riqui Puig is an excellent player, so are the others in the B team. Of course he’s going to have chances but so will all the players. This week he’s trained all week, perhaps next week things will be different and he won’t. But he will certainly always have options. I don’t usually focus on names but on what they do every day in training.

Setien on joing in the rondos in training

I’ve hardly touched a ball in six months but I am going to get better. Today I have to say I won’t complain but my knees, my hips... I really like to get involved, football is in my blood, it’s what I live for. I’m so happy to be here. I love being with footballers, working with them, giving them my knowledge, learning from them too. Being part of the exercises with them too, I enjoy that. I sometimes forget I’m not one of them. I feel like I’m still a footballer. I really enjoy it and you’ll see that every day whether we win or lose, whether we are happy or sad, stronger or weaker. I need that energy because that’s what makes me feel good, that’s what makes everyone feel good.

Setien on winning

Look I always want to win, let’s get that straight. I had some problems in Seville with that. What I want to do is win. If I win playing badly it doesn’t mean I’ll go home happy. The result isn’t always enough for me. I think we are all bright enough to know that if you play well you’ve got a better chance of winning.

Setien on Granada

I guess they’ll want to repeat the game that worked out well for them. They could play the same way with the very high pressure that they generated. I always tell my players to expect the best from the opponent. I understand they will try to make things difficult. It won’t be an easy game.

Setien on his first week

This week has gone much better than I expected because when you join a new team, there is always uncertainty about how the players will respond. I have been surprised by their attitude and their willingness to work hard and to accept some of the chances that every new coach brings with them.

Setien on Messi and Vidal

It’s true that I’ve spoken with Leo, as I have with almost all of the players I’ve spoken with him in the same way that I did with Pique or Neto. I like to exchange opinions with the players and see what they think. I like to discuss what I propose. Today I said something to Vidal, who applied himself well in training. This is the way I work.

Source: barcablaugranes.com