NEW Barcelona boss Quique Setien has called up starlet Riqui Puig to his first training session in charge.
The ex-Real Betis chief, 61, was named new manager at the Nou Camp in a shock appointment on a two-and-a-half-year deal last night.
Quique Setien puts his arm around Riqui Puig during a Barcelona training sessionCredit: https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/
He replaces Ernesto Valverde, who was axed despite the Catalan club being top of LaLiga and into the knockout stages of the Champions League.
And one of Setien’s first actions was the call up of a number of the Barcelona B side for his opening session on Tuesday morning.
That included Inaki Pena, Ronald Araujo, Puig, Carles Perez and Ansu Fati, who has been touted as one of the superstars of the future.
According to fansite Barca Blaugranes, he will hold a press conference later today before officially penning terms.
Supporters were particularly excited to see Puig, who has impressed many with his performances for the youth teams in recent years.
The 20-year-old has been at the club since the age of eight, and has worked his way up through the prestigious La Masia academy.
The tricky midfielder made his senior debut in December 2018, before making his first LaLiga appearance at the end of last season.
As pictures emerged of him in training today, fans were left excited by the thought of Puig finally getting his chance under Setien.
One fan said: “Puig has finally been rescued and fulfil his potential as one of the up-and-coming stars of the future.”
And another added: “I’m so excited to see what this young man can do. Here’s to the future!”
Setien takes charge of his first Barcelona match this Sunday at home to Granada.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
