Barcelona

Quique Setien: 'Lionel Messi is difficult to manage'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 01 November 2020

Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien reveals what it was like managing Lionel Messi during his ill-fated stay in the Camp Nou dugout.

Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien has claimed that Lionel Messi is "difficult to manage" following his ill-fated stay in the Camp Nou dugout.

The Spaniard oversaw Barcelona's humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and was ultimately sacked by La Blaugrana, with Ronald Koeman then taking over in Catalonia.

Meanwhile, Messi became the talk of the transfer market after announcing his desire to leave in the summer, but the six-time Ballon d'Or winner ended up staying put following a bitter dispute over his release clause.

Now, Setien has opened up on his time managing the Barca talisman, telling El Pais: "I think Messi is the best of all time.

"There have been other great players who have been great, but the continuity that this boy has had throughout the years has not been had by anyone.

"Leo is difficult to manage. Who am I to change him if they have accepted him as he is for years and have not changed him? There's another facet beyond just the player and it's more difficult to manage. Much more difficult.

"It's something inherent in many athletes that can be seen in the Michael Jordan documentary (The Last Dance). You see things you don't expect.

"He's very reserved but he makes you see the things that he wants. He doesn't talk much."

Messi already has three goals and four assists to his name in all competitions this season.