- Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien has expressed a keen interest in making his mark in the competitive realm of the Premier League.
- The Premier League currently hosts a diverse array of five Spanish managers: Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Unai Emery at Aston Villa, Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, and Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.
- Will Ruben Amorim be Man United’s saviour? LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Available wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes every Monday and Thursday.
The ex-Barcelona manager recently visited three Premier League clubs and was left very impressed by several aspects, including the tactical depth and overall atmosphere of this elite league.
Setien was particularly struck by the overwhelming passion shown by supporters, which he described as a refreshing change compared to his recent experiences in Spain.
During his visit, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca showcased a video detailing the tactics he learned from Setien, further demonstrating the collaborative spirit among coaches in the league.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank and West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui also extended their welcome to Setien, adding to his positive impression of the league.
A former Barcelona manager is interested in becoming the Premier League’s latest Spanish boss
Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien was left hugely impressed by the Premier League
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was amongst the Premier League bosses to host Setien
Setien, who led Barcelona for a brief period in 2020 before being dismissed just 25 games into his tenure, admitted during his recent trip to England that he has developed a profound affection for the Premier League.
He shared his thoughts, stating: ‘Obviously, I have been out for a year and in Spain I didn’t have the feeling. We follow all the Premier League. In Spain, you watch one or two teams on TV; in England, we watch all of them.’
Reflecting on his experiences, Setien remarked, ‘This week has been a huge surprise. I fell in love with people, the passion. The supporters are doing their best, and the game wasn’t exciting.’
Setien has been without a club since September 2023 when he was sacked by Villarreal, marking the end of a challenging chapter in his managerial career.
His managerial experience has predominantly been concentrated in Spain, aside from a brief spell as coach of Equatorial Guinea in 2006.
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How does Quique Setien plan to adapt his coaching philosophy to the competitive environment of English football?
**Interview with Quique Setien on His Ambitions in the Premier League**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Quique. You’ve expressed a strong desire to make your mark in the Premier League. What draws you to England’s top division at this point in your career?
**Setien**: Thank you for having me. The Premier League has long been known for its competitive nature and tactical depth. During my recent visit, I was really struck by the atmosphere in the stadiums and the incredible passion of the supporters. It feels very different compared to my experiences in Spain, and that’s refreshing for me as a coach.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned visiting a few clubs recently. How did those visits inform your desire to work in the Premier League?
**Setien**: I had the opportunity to meet with various managers and see their training sessions. For instance, Enzo Maresca at Chelsea shared insights with me about tactics he learned from my own coaching style. This sense of collaboration among managers was truly inspiring. It reinforced my belief that this league is not only fiercely competitive but also a place where coaches support each other’s growth.
**Interviewer**: The Premier League currently has five prominent Spanish managers, including Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta. How do you see your potential contribution to this mix?
**Setien**: It’s exciting to see a strong presence of Spanish managers here, and I believe we all bring unique elements to our teams. My approach focuses on possession and creativity, and I think those principles could resonate well in this environment. I’m eager to contribute to the ongoing evolution of football in the Premier League.
**Interviewer**: Beyond the tactical aspects, what else impacted you during your tour of Premier League clubs?
**Setien**: The enthusiasm of the fans was overwhelming. They live and breathe football, and their support creates an electric atmosphere that can motivate players like no other. It’s this kind of passion that makes me want to be part of the Premier League; it can inspire a coach to push their team to new heights.
**Interviewer**: do you have a specific club in mind where you would like to bring your philosophy to life?
**Setien**: While I haven’t expressed a preference for any particular club yet, I am open to opportunities. My primary goal is to find a team that shares my vision for attacking football and has the ambition to compete at the highest level.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Quique. It sounds like you’re ready for an exciting new chapter in your career.
**Setien**: Thank you! I’m looking forward to what’s next.
This interview showcases Quique Setien’s aspirations and thoughts on the Premier League, reflecting his enthusiasm and readiness to embrace the challenges of coaching in England.
