After the most humiliating night possible in Lisbon, Barcelona are reportedly set to sack Quique Setién. According to Fabrizio Romano, the astounding 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich was the nail in the coffin of Setién’s tenure. Barcelona need a rebuild, and they need one fast, seemingly starting with the manager.
REPORT: Setién Shown Door After 8-2 Defeat
Barcelona Fail Again in Quest for Champions League Glory
Following failure to retain the La Liga crown, the Champions League was make or break for Barcelona’s season. Win the competition, and the relief would be heard echoing around the famous city. Lose, however, and the groans of heartbreak would be the emotion outpoured around the club. Unsurprisingly, as the semi-final concluded, it was the latter which occurred, in the most devastating fashion yet for Barcelona.
Last season’s defeat at Anfield after being three goals to the good on aggregate was bad enough, but to concede eight goals in one fatal 90 minutes is a new low for Barcelona. The Champions League semi-final once again worryingly proves a step too far for a team once hailed the best around. Their downfall looks likely to continue, too, with Lionel Messi edging closer to retirement with each kick of the ball.
Next Appointment Must Be Right
From Ernesto Valverde to Setién, the Nou Camp hasn’t paid witness to a world-class manager for a few years now. With each appointment, they seem to decline further. The next appointment simply must be right; if it isn’t, Barcelona risk falling further behind Europe’s elite. The likes of Massimiliano Allegri are currently available and looking at his reputation, appointing the Italian should be an option high up the list of Barcelona candidates.
Problem With the Hierarchy and Not the Management?
Gerard Pique was the first to speak on the humiliation in Lisbon, saying: “The club needs changes and I’m not talking about coaches or players. Structurally we need changes of all starts. It’s not the first time, or the second, nor the third.”
The words certainly ring true from Pique with Barcelona on a further decline with each passing year. Setién’s sacking opens the door for a saviour, however, in the form of a new manager; a saviour Barcelona are in desperate need of.
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