Quique Setién's presentation as the new coach of FC Barcelona, as it happened
The official presentation to the media
Quique Setién, together with President Bartomeu and technical secretary Eric Abidal, appeared in the Auditori 1899 for the coach's official presentation. Bartomeu explained the reason for the change of coach, and commented: "I want to thank Ernesto Valverde for what he has done. The relationship has been very close and he's made us all improve. We're very aware that we have won many titles, and that the results were very good, but we believe that the dynamics of the team needed to be improved. We have made the change to face the final leg of the season with a new focus."
For his part, Quique Setién made the following statements:
🔊 "I couldn't have imagined being here in my wildest dreams. It is a very special day and I want to thank everyone who has chosen me. I am very excited about this challenge and project. I will try to convey my enthusiasm and my desire to the players."
🔊 "My goal is to win everything that can be won, in addition to playing well. I believe that in order to achieve victory, it is important to associate the two factors."
🔊 "I have enjoyed watching Messi in recent years. But not only him, the team and his teammates. They have made me enjoy football and I have learned many things from the players that I will now have the pleasure of training. I am sure that we will have an excellent relationship, because I am a direct and sincere person."
🔊 "I will look at the players from the academy because I like to give opportunities to young people. I want them to know that if they really progress, they will have opportunities in the first team."
The signing of the contract
Together with the president of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, the new coach has signed his contract in an act that has been carried out in the President Suñol box. Quique Setién and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement until June 30, 2022.
Quique Setién's first training session
Quique Setién took charge of his first training session on Tuesday morning with the players available from the first team. It was his first contact with them, and it came on the Tito Vilanova pitch. During the session, Arthur did part of the training with the group, while Todibo didn't train with permission from the club. Iñaki Peña, R. Araujo, Riqui Puig, C. Pérez and Ansu Fati, from Barça B made up the numbers, and also met the new coach.
Quique Setién's agenda for the day
FC Barcelona have a new coach. It is the Cantabrian, Quique Setién, who on Monday reached an agreement with the club on a deal until June 30, 2022. This Tuesday, after the training session that will take place at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and that will serve as his first contact with his new players, the official presentation will be made before the media. Below, we detail the planned programme of events:
- 11.00am CET: First team training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper
- 1.30pm CET: Contract signing in the President Suñol box in a private event.
- 2.00pm CET: Presentation and press conference in the Auditori 1899.
- Later: Photo session for the new coach on the Camp Nou pitch
