Setien Opens Up On His TERRIBLE Relationship With Messi

Barcelona players had smiles back on their faces after a 5-0 thumping of Deportivo Alaves, and now the aim is sinking Napoli in their Champions League last-16.

And boss Quique Setien has insisted he and Lionel Messi have a strong relationship.

Morale was low after Thursday’s 2-1 home defeat to Osasuna, which came on a night when Real Madrid clinched the LaLiga title, having overtaken Barcelona on the final lap.

Despite speculation surrounding his position, Setien stressed he and Messi, who is arguably the most powerful individual at the football club, get along well enough to work together.

“It is the same as with everyone, more or less,” Setien said. “There are players who are more open and have more of a relationship, but the relationship is good.”

Setien said it had been a “special” day in the Basque Country, and stressed he will not allow himself to think, or worry in any way, about his future.

“I focus on improving and convincing my players to do certain things,” Setien said, quoted by Catalan newspaper Sport. “Then there are things that I can’t control.”