JAKARTA - Barcelona made a great start in the hands of new head coach Quique Setien with a 1-0 win against Granada on Sunday, 19 January evening. In response to the victory, midfielder Sergio Busquets refused to compare the current Los Blaugarana to Ernesto Valverde's era.
The home side enjoyed nearly 83 percent of ball possession, but were unable to find the net for the visitors until Lionel Messi scored in the 76th minute after German Sanchez was sent off. Perhaps, that was the most important record of the match.
However, Setien's variation of the 3-4-3 pattern saw Barcelona monopolize the ball and push the game to a higher level. This style is similar to that of Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola's Barca than Valverde, who was sacked after losing to Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana.
Busquets is pleased with his team's display, but will not make a comparison between Setien and Valverde's methods. It's no secret, Valverde lost the trust of the fans and the board because of his more careful approach.
500 - Barcelona (508 vs Granada) are the first team to attempt 500+ passes in a first half of a LaLiga game and failing to score since at least 2005/06. Patience. pic.twitter.com/dIyikesw0K
- OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 19, 2020
"We are a solid team. We have control of the ball. They created very few chances against us," he told Movistar after the match.
It is true, continued the midfielder, Los Blaugrana had to fight hard when Granada played inside. But, in general, they play a good game.
"It's not about comparing. Every coach has his style and his way of seeing football. You will see what Setien asks of us. We will not reveal it," continued Busquest.
🎤 @ 5sergiob 🎤 @RiquiPuig 🎤 @QSetien pic.twitter.com/dZ1DmySyGw
- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 20, 2020
"We are happy with what Ernesto is doing and we are happy with Setien."
Setien also received cheers from the Camp Nou crowd for playing La Masia graduate Riqui Puig. This player had a hard time getting a chance under Valverde.
Before Messi's goal, the 20-year-old won possession on the edge of the Granada penalty box and gave a pass to Arturo Vidal who then passed it on to La Pulga - Messi's nickname. Busquets hopes it is just the beginning for the talented midfielder.
"He still has plenty of time to mature, but it looks like he can be here (to improve the team)," added Busquets.
Barca are level with Real Madrid with 43 points at the top of the table after 20 games. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are eight points adrift.
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