Setién asks if Messi can delay his return until after Sunday's game
Betis are guests at Camp Nou on Sunday but coach Quique Setién feels Leo Messi shouldn't rush back from injury: "I wouldn't risk him..."
Betis continue their European campaign against AC Milan tomorrow night then have just a few days to get their breath back in time for Sunday's league trip to Barcelona. In an interview with Rac1, Verdiblancos boss Quique Setién spoke about Leo Messi's return to the game after suffering a fractured arm. Messi sat out last night's Champions League game against Inter Milan and Setién is praying the Argentinean will put his return on hold until after Sunday's clash at Camp Nou: "Personally I think Messi should wait a little longer, I wouldn't risk him", the Betis coach said. "After that there's the international break - he'll have two weeks to get back to full fitness. Any slight fall could have serious conseqeunces. He'd only miss two games and Barça are doing well in both competitions - there's no need to risk him. Having said that, of course I'd love to see him out on the pitch, who wouldn't? It's a joy to watch him play".
Attacking style
Whether Messi reappears for Barcelona on Sunday or not, Setién says Betis will be looking to take three points back with them to Seville: "We have the ability to cause Barcelona a lot of problems in attack because they will be pushing forward and leaving themselves exposed at the back. We experience the same thing ourselves - as to all teams who are a little more daring - you take risks and in doing so, your opponents can create dangerous chances from nothing when you are pressing high. Barcelona can give you all sorts of problems. That's the kind of game we're expecting", he continued.
Setién compliments Valverde
"But right now I'm preparing my team for Milan; we'll be going to Barcelona to put in a good game and try to win. Barcelona have a great coach - I really like his calm approach, his outlook on life and football, how his teams play... All of us can improve - every team in the division, but I am only concerned with Betis although one day I would love to go back to Racing", he ended.
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