Quique Setien reflects on challenges during Barcelona coaching stint

Quique Setien, in a podcast interview, discussed his tenure at Barcelona, which began in January 2020. He expressed admiration for Lionel Messi, stating he had long looked forward to watching him play. However, Setien found the experience at Barcelona more challenging than expected, feeling out of place in the dressing room and struggling to maintain his true self. He compared it to his time at Real Betis, where he felt a closer bond with his players. Setien shared that he had been on the verge of accepting a coaching offer in Egypt before Barcelona approached him, ultimately leading to his appointment where he experienced difficulties, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 8:15 AMYahoo Sports — Former Barcelona coach Quique Setien opens up on Messi admiration and dressing-room struggles: ‘I wasn’t myself’