Quique Setién flying the flag for football
What a lovely interview Quique Setién granted Marco Ruiz for our Friday edition. I once read that an interview is an article where one person thinks and the other writes. This was it. And to get the most out of it, both parts have to be good. The interviewer, generating a trusting atmosphere for dialogue based around the points he wants to highlight. The interviewee, delving deep into his thoughts and presenting himself well. It gave us a clear idea of what Setién is trying to achieve, why he won in Madrid, where he came from (the game of chess) his calmness and lucidity to throw in Joaquín when Madrid went for it at the end. Madrid ended up being surprised; Betis, a managed group.
Paco at Rayo, flag now with Setién at Betis
Setién is looked at with an element of suspicion, just as before with Paco Jémez, wanting to do what Barça did under Guardiola without capable enough players. In fact, this was a reason for that Rayo dropped out of the top flight. But with a tiny budget he managed to keep Rayo in the Primera for four years, finishing as high as eighth. Would they have done any better just putting their foot through it? Now, after an uncomfortable start in the Cruz Azul, the team is now making steps forward, they look better as does the manager himself, who has a special relationship with the country that again is doing its best after an earthquake. Setién is now the one who carries the flag here: good football is profitable, as well as elegant.
Positive football wins over negative
He maintains that players can adapt their habits, he explains how you learn chess not by looking at the current position of the pieces, but instead two moves ahead. A thought that can elevate football. I have seen so many coaches that even with magnificent players try to win with negative approaches, that I am enthusiastic about the idea that a team dares to take inspiration from the Barça of Guardiola without either Xavi or Iniesta in the line-up. Nothing in the history of football cements the idea that playing negatively will ensure better results. It's the other way around. Check it out and I'll be right.