Barcelona president backs Setien, sees Xavi as future coach

Barcelona's club president has t lost faith in coach Quique Setien while leaving door open for Xavi Hernandez as a future coach. Josep Bartomeu told Spanish sports daily Sport in an interview on Saturday that at moment did we think about a coaching change despite Barcelona's poor finish to Spanish league season.

Setien replaced Ernesto Valverde in January and Barcelona was top when league was halted in March due to coronavirus pandemic. But his team stumbled once competition resumed, and Real Mrid won its first title in three years.

"When we hired him, we told him it was a project for this season and next," Bartomeu said. "Judging a coach based on a few months, in middle of a pandemic, is difficult. Like (Barcelona midfielder) Arturo Vidal said, he and players have h little time to kw each or and work toger."

Barcelona hosts Napoli next weekend after Lionel Messi's team drew 1-1 in first leg of last-16 Champions League match at Napoli. Bartomeu confirmed that club h earlier approached Xavi in winter about taking Valverde's place. "Xavi will coach Barca one day," Bartomeu said.

(Im credits: AP)