BARCELONA boss Quique Setien has lost the trust of some of his players who feel the job is too big for him, reports in Spain say.
After Real Madrid leapfrogged the champions at the top of LaLiga with Sunday’s 2-0 El Clasico win, claims emerged Nou Camp stars ‘do not see Setien capable of managing, training or running’ Barca.
Some Barcelona players are said to have had doubts over ex-Betis boss Quique Setien since late JanuaryCredit: AFP or licensors
Lionel Messi and Co saw Real Madrid overhaul them at the top of La Liga with a 2-0 El Clasico triumphCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Barcelona aces are even said to have doubted Setien’s ability since his first defeat, 2-0 at Valencia on January 25.
The ex-Real Betis chief, 61, only succeeded former Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde, 56, at the start of the year.
But Spanish journalist Laia Tudel suggests the squad also blame club directors for their mediocre form.
Tudel told Catalunya Radio’s Midnight Club programme: “Some players from Barcelona don’t trust Setien.
“Specifically they do not see Setien capable of managing, training or running a club as big as Barcelona.”
He added: “They do not blame everything” on Setien as some players think “the management by club directors” shares responsibility.
Local media say some players have been unhappy with the new boss as early as their loss against Valencia.
VIDAL SO SOON
He was reportedly criticised for taking off 32-year-old Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal just 11 minutes into the second half.
Already trailing to Jordi Alba’s own goal soon after the break, Barca’s fate was sealed after Vidal’s substitution when Maxi Gomez curled home.
That performance contrasted with Setien’s solid start to his Nou Camp reign.
But those sceptical of his managerial skills were in full voice again after fiercest rivals Real won a tight game last weekend.
Vinicius Junior’s deflected drive on 71 minutes and substitute Mariano’s stoppage-time goal put Zinedine Zidane’s men a point clear.
Setien hinted at discontent afterwards when he said: “We were clear about what we had to do. We had to wait for our moment and be patient and try to keep the ball.
“In the second half I can’t understand why we started to lose the ball easily.
“We were able to breathe life back into Real Madrid. It was a shame we weren’t to take the form of the first half into the second.”
Zinedine Zidane is pleased to see Real Madrid bounce back with 2-0 defeat of Barcelona
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
