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BARCELONA

Barcelona: Setién says Sarabia must "control way he expresses himself"

Barcelona boss Quique Setién says his under-fire assistant doesn't need to change his coaching style, but should moderate his language.

Update:
Barcelona: Setién says Sarabia must "control way he expresses himself"
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Quique Setién says assistant coach Eder Sarabia must "control the way he expresses himself" and insists Barcelona's Clásico defeat will not knock them off course as they seek to regain top spot in LaLiga on Saturday.

Barça were lacklustre in a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu last weekend, with Zinedine Zidane's side replacing them at the summit.

Sarabia's Bernabéu antics "a bit embarrassing", Barcelona boss admits

The reigning champions have come under even closer scrutiny after Sarabia's expletive-laden outburst during the game, which Setién admitted was "a bit embarrassing".

With pressure building on the coach's shoulders, the visit of a Real Sociedad side enjoying a six-match winning run, including a Copa del Rey semi-final triumph, presents a significant challenge for Setién, who is nonetheless upbeat.

"I am calm because I know that we are going to face the game having got over the [Real Madrid] defeat," he said, with Barça a point behind a Madrid team who do not play until Sunday.

"There are no sequels of the Clásico. We are aware that we generated seven scoring chances, which is a significant number. That defeat will not affect us.

"I understand that it is very difficult for Barça and Madrid to win everything until the end.

"The league is very complicated, it is very difficult to win the matches against any team. We are motivated to keep the pace we want."

Sarabia "will be as he has always been" but needs to dial down language, says Setién

On the subject of the under-fire Sarabia, Setién said there was no need for his assistant to change his ways, but conceded he should moderate his language.

"He will be as he always has been," said Setién. "He just has to control the way he expresses himself a bit, but he will keep his character and that's it."

Setién will be without Arthur, who has suffered an ankle injury, but the coach does not know how long the midfielder will be out for. 

"He has pain, some discomfort, and we have to see how he evolves with the treatment," said Setién.