Setien explains why new substitutes rule could hurt Barca

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Teams will be allowed to make five changes

Barcelona manager Quique Setien has been talking about the return of La Liga and the new rule that will allow teams to make up to five substitutions per match.

FIFA have accepted a proposal from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to use five subs in competitions. The rule is temporary and aims to protect players’ welfare.

The Barcelona coach does not appear to be a big fan of the rule and thinks it could end up hurting his team during the run-in.

Here’s what he’s had to say:

“Five substitutions per team? I do not know if it will harm us or benefit us. I think it will harm us, because of our way of playing.

“We know that many games we will resolve in the final minutes. If you give an opponent the option of fresh players coming out in that time, the weakness that is generated with tired players will not occur.”

Source | Sport

Setien also said that Barcelona would have liked a bit more time before restarting the 2019-20 campaign, although he did admit the players were feeling refreshing after their lengthy lay-off.

Source: barcablaugranes.com