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La Liga | Gameweek 20
Jan 19, 2020 at 8pm UK
 
Granada logo

1-0

Messi (76')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Sergio Busquets refuses to compare Quique Setien to Ernesto Valverde

Sergio Busquets refuses to compare Quique Setien to Ernesto Valverde
© Reuters
Setien kicked off his reign at the Nou Camp with three points.

Sergio Busquets refused to be drawn on comparisons between former coach Ernesto Valverde and his replacement Quique Setien after Barcelona's 1-0 victory over Granada.

The Spanish Super Cup semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid 10 days ago prompted Barca to sack Valverde and replace him with ex-Real Betis coach Setien.

And the 61-year-old kicked off his reign at the Nou Camp with three points, his new side finally breaking their opponents down courtesy of Lionel Messi's 12th goal in as many games against Granada.

"There's no need to compare," midfielder Busquets told AS.

"Every manager has his own style and manner of seeing football. You'll see what Setien asked us to do.

"We won't be revealing what it was. We are happy with what Ernesto did and we are happy to have Setien now.

"It's better to have people up front and to press. There were moments in the game when we did that. We recovered it quickly and you have to grow and fight for everything."

Lionel Messi netted the winner for Barca
Lionel Messi netted the winner for Barca (Joan Monfort/AP)

Messi struck in the 76th minute, shortly after Granada defender German was sent off, to take Barca back to the top of LaLiga on goal difference.

Barca dominated the game throughout without creating many clear-cut chances until Messi's cool finish capped off a fine team move.

"It left some good feelings. We played solidly," Busquets said.

"We have control of the ball and we generated some chances. It's true that it cost us a bit when they retreated but in general the team played well."

Ricard Puig, a 20-year-old midfielder, was part of the move which led to Messi's goal after coming off the bench in the 71st minute.

"He has a lot of things to mature but you can see that he belongs here," Busquets added.

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid16113234132136
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Villarreal157532725226
6Real Sociedad167361611524
7Osasuna166642225-324
8Mallorca177371620-424
9GironaGirona166462223-122
10Celta Vigo166372527-221
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Rayo Vallecano155461516-119
13Sevilla165471723-619
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1541101528-1313
19Valencia142481322-910
20Real ValladolidValladolid1623111134-239


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