Quique Setien reveals Barcelona took 3–4 years to fulfill outstanding payments | OneFootball

Hansi Flick has clearly turned things around at FC Barcelona and deserves a lot of credit for making the Blaugrana team one of the best in Europe once again. The contrast between his team and the teams of some of his predecessors is quite apparent.

Several coaches struggled to get the best out of Barcelona in recent years, and one who experienced one of the lowest points in the club’s recent history was Spanish tactician Quique Setien. His tenure included the infamous 2-8 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, a result that ultimately led to his dismissal.

Now, as SPORT has reported, Setien appeared in an interview with Cadena Ser and talked at some length about Barcelona. For starters, he revealed that it is only now that he has received the dues owed to him by the Catalan club.

“Everything has been resolved. Barça took 3–4 years to pay me, but they have now fulfilled all the payments they owed me and don’t owe me anything anymore. Now I’m waiting on Villarreal, from whom I haven’t received anything yet, and it’s been almost three years. The matter is in court. You don’t expect these things to happen in such big clubs.”

Despite his inability to make a mark at the club, Quique Setien was clear that joining Barcelona was the correct decision for him:

“I don’t regret going to Barça instead of Egypt. It’s true that I would have liked it to be in a different way, at a time when Barça is now. With young people, excited kids, with enthusiasm and a good atmosphere. It was totally different, sadly.”

The Spaniard also praised Racing Club, who are going to face the Blaugranes in the next round of the Copa del Rey:

“Racing deserves it. What is happening at the Sardinero is extraordinary. The stadium fills up, and the fans are identified with the team. They’ve suffered two setbacks with not being promoted, but we don’t lose hope of returning. Racing is the team that plays best in the division.”

Lastly, the former Real Betis coach also praised Hansi Flick’s Barcelona:

“The players are the protagonists. I think Flick’s influence is very strong. He is a very demanding man, and the squad has accepted the proposal he has brought. Even if it sometimes seems like a suicidal idea, he gives Barça much more than he takes away. He is building a young team that will grow over time. I think it’s a very solid team, and I like it.”

Although Barcelona fans would not have a lot of good memories from Quique Setien’s time at the club, they would still be happy to see him speak highly of Hansi Flick and his team.