Lionel Messi

Setien told Messi: 'If you don't like what I say, there is the door'

The former Barcelona coach had a run-in with his star player and could have directly led to his demise at Camp Nou

 
12:50pm on Tuesday 3rd November 2020
By
Paul Macdonald

Quique Setien has revealed details of his bust-up with Lionel Messi towards the end of his Barcelona tenure, claiming that he told the player 'if you don't like what I say, there is the door'.

The pair's relationship became strained towards the end of last season as Barca began dropping points and ultimately lost La Liga to Real Madrid.

And in one particular incident away at Celta Vigo, Messi refused to take instructions from Setien's assistant coach, Eder Sarabia, during a water break, leading to a stand-off between both men.

Setien, speaking on the Què T'hi Jugues broadcast, said of his relationship with the 33-year-old: "Messi is difficult to manage. Who am I to change him!

"He is very reserved but he makes you see the things he wants. He does not talk much. Yes, look, look..."

And after Messi had allegedly asked the coach to respect the players who had won a number of titles, Setien responded with: "If you don't like what I say, there is the door."

Setien would be fired from his position just a few weeks later and Messi would ultimately look to force his way out of the club, a move that, in the end, failed to materialise.

READ MORE:

Ronald Koeman is right to be concerned about Messi's form

Lionel Messi: 35 shots without a goal from open play this season

Latest news

Tottenham vs Luton Town Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League match between Tottenham and Luton Town on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 11 minutes

AFC Wimbledon vs Harrogate Town Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the upcoming EFL League Two game between AFC Wimbledon and Harrogate on Friday, March 29th 2024.

  • 26 minutes

Bradford City vs Tranmere Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the upcoming Bradford City vs Tranmere Rovers League Two game on Friday, March 29th 2024.

  • 36 minutes

Bournemouth vs Everton Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Bournemouth and Everton on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 45 minutes

Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 1 hour

Swindon Town vs Notts County Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the upcoming EFL League Two contest between Swindon Town and Notts County on Friday, March 29th 2024.

  • 1 hour

Most read