Quique Setien tells Racing Santander how to beat Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona face an important Copa del Rey clash tonight against Racing Santander. One person who knows the two clubs all too well is Quique Setien, a legend at Estadio El Sardinero who has also managed the Catalan club in the past.

Setien played for and captained Racing Santander before eventually taking over as their manager. His time at Barcelona, however, ended in disappointment following the infamous 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

In an interview with El Diario Montañés (h/t SPORT), Setien expressed his excitement at the Copa del Rey draw: “I like that we got them; I was looking forward to it,” he said. He also reflected on Racing’s historic victories against Barcelona, recalling, “Of course I remember. Perfectly, I’ve watched it many times. And the header I scored. And Esteban’s goal.”

Whether Setien will attend the match in person remains uncertain. “Maybe I’ll go, but I think I’ll stay home because lately I go very little, and I don’t want to show up just because Barça is playing,” he added.

Quique Setien also shared his insights on how Racing might approach the game. He praised the style implemented by current manager José Alberto López and highlighted the commitment of the players:

“I watch Racing play, and I like their approach. I enjoy watching them play, and there are also a number of players who understand football very well, manage the ball very well, and create many scoring chances.”

When asked about the key to beating Barcelona, Setien stressed the importance of possession and defensive discipline. “I think everyone roughly knows where you can hurt them and where they will hurt you, because Barça will always hurt you. That said, players must commit a lot in defense, stay compact, and measure very carefully when to push forward. And obviously, keep possession as long as possible, because if you give Barça the ball, you’re dead. The more possession, the more chances you have.”

Setien also acknowledged the challenge of facing Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, which has been dominant this season. He believes that Racing must play with courage and control, noting, “If Racing has control and the courage they show in many of their matches, I won’t say it will compromise Barça, but it will definitely be a very beautiful game.”

Setien’s mantra is very much how his teams have always played, and how he fashioned a memorable 4-3 win over the Catalan club as Real Betis manager in 2018. However, it is a tactic that is easier said than coached.

For Racing Santander tomorrow, keeping the ball against this Barcelona team will not be easy. In fact, it might not be wise, and Cantabrians would be better off sticking to their familiar tropes.

Beating Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is not a feat many teams have managed this season. If Racing Santander pull it off, it will be a massive achievement, but, for the Catalan club’s sake, let us hope that does not happen tonight.