Quique Setien is full of pride taking the Barcelona job.
The former Real Betis coach has stepped in after the sacking of Ernesto Valverde.
The Spaniard explained how important his way of seeing football is and also opened up on his feelings as he accepted the job.
“Thanks to the club, as not in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be here,” he said to start off.
“Today is a special day for me and I am grateful.
“I am excited for this project and this challenge.
“Yesterday I was enjoying a walk past the cows in my town, now I’m coaching the best players in the world.
“Of course, I didn’t need more than five minutes to accept this.
“It was a surprise when they called.
“I never thought Barcelona would go for me, as I don’t have a long CV.
“What I have is the philosophy I love.
“I wasn’t sure if that would be enough, but I’m grateful.
“When I go to a team I can guarantee one thing and that’s that the team will play well.”
Setien had words of thanks for Ernesto Valverde too and explained that he had reached out to his predecessor.
“Valverde always seemed a very correct person to me,” he said.
“I value the work he did.
“I have spoken with him to discuss things because there are many things from his work that will be useful to me.
“I thank him that he leaves this team to me in first place in the league.”
Setien answered questions from the press and was asked what kind of impulse the team needs.
“Whenever a new coach arrives, there is a new sense of stimulation,” he replied.
“It’s true that this can sometimes fade away afterwards, but we have to try to maintain it.
“I don’t know if my way if the best, but it’s my way and I’m convinced that I can convey the ideas I like and that everything can get better.
“The main objective is without doubt to win all we can.
“This club requires that you get better each year and that you win as many titles as possible, as well as playing well.”
The injury suffered by Luis Suarez was brought up and Setien was asked if he’s planning to add new players in the transfer market.
“Right now we have to think about the players we have,” he said.
“The important thing is the philosophy.
“We might change things to our system, but we need to evaluate a lot and speak with the players.
“But the philosophy won’t change.
“The reality is that until you’re inside a club you don’t know everything about it, everything is new.
“There’s a lot to talk about.
“There is an extraordinary academy here and those players will train with us little by little.
“If players deserve it, we’ll promote them.
“Whenever a young player comes up, they bring energy and that infects the first-team squad in a positive way.”
Finally, he was asked about the prospect of coaching Lionel Messi.
“I’ve enjoyed watching this team and these players for many years,” he said.
“To train the best in the world, I’m still not fully aware of what that means.
“I’ve spoken to him and to the others.
“One thing is the admiration and the other is everyone being in their place.”
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