MX23RW : Thursday, April 25 08:06:26| >> :120:43752:43752:

Quique Setien: Five things you might not know about Barcelona's new manager

The 61-year-old former Racing Santander and Real Betis boss takes over with the Catalonia club top of LaLiga.

Barcelona have appointed Quique Setien to replace Ernesto Valverde on a contract until the end of the 2021-22 season.

The 61-year-old former Racing Santander and Real Betis boss takes over with the Catalonia club top of LaLiga.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at the new Barcelona manager.

Santander star

Setien started his playing career with hometown club Racing Santander and would go on to appear over 350 times for them during two stints. A central midfielder with an eye for a goal, he would also begin management at El Sardinero too in 2001 when they were in the Segunda Division. One of his best moments with Racing occurred when he returned there in 1992 and led them to promotion back to LaLiga as a player and he achieved the same feat during his first campaign as a manager there.

Atletico success

Former Spain boss Luis Aragones was Quique Setien's manager at Atletico Madrid
Former Spain boss Luis Aragones (pictured) was Quique Setien’s manager at Atletico Madrid (Martin Rickett/PA)

After eight years with Racing, Setien moved to Atletico Madrid in 1985 and it was here when he earned international recognition and won three caps for Spain. He also went to the 1986 World Cup, but failed to appear off the bench. He only remained with Atletico for three years, but won the Spanish Super Cup in his first term and also helped them qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Coaching path

Setien’s coaching career started with Racing, but he moved to fellow Segunda Division side Polideportivo Ejido and then he next became an international manager. For a short period of time in 2006, he was in charge of Equatorial Guinea before a spell as Logrones manager, which ended with his dismissal in 2008. The first break for the experienced coach finally happened with Lugo, where he guided them to the Segunda Division and kept them there before departing for Las Palmas – who were in LaLiga – and leading them to survival. Real Betis took note and appointed him in May 2017 and Setien guided them to Europa League qualification in his maiden season.

History with Barcelona

Whilst in charge of Betis, Setien was linked with a switch to the Nou Camp in January 2019 after implementing an attractive style of play at the Sevilla-based club. In November 2018, he stunned Valverde’s men with a 4-3 victory. Setien also received a signed shirt from Sergio Busquets during one of these visit to the Nou Camp with the Barca midfielder writing: “For Quique with love and admiration for your way of looking at football. All the best.” Meanwhile Setien’s philosophy has been influenced by the late Johan Cryuff.

Chess fan

The experienced manager is a big admirer of chess and is understood to have played against former world champions Anatoli Karpov and Garry Kasparov, although the results of these meetings have not been disclosed. The strategic style of chess can be linked to football and this is a view shared by Setien, who has long been a fan of the board game.

ID:386055: cacheID:386055:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8457:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid32256170224881
2Barcelona32217464372770
3GironaGirona32215667402768
4Atletico MadridAtletico32194959382161
5Athletic Bilbao321610652302258
6Real Sociedad321312746341251
7Real BetisBetis32121284038248
8Valencia32138113534147
9Villarreal32119125155-442
10Getafe32913103844-640
11Osasuna32116153746-939
12Sevilla32910134145-437
13Las PalmasLas Palmas32107153039-937
14AlavesAlaves3298152838-1035
15Rayo Vallecano32713122739-1234
16Celta Vigo32710153747-1031
17Mallorca32613132638-1231
18CadizCadiz32413152245-2325
19Granada3239203361-2818
20Almeria32111203164-3314


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!