Setien’s time at Barcelona is about to end

Barcelona are preparing to sack Quique Setien unless he wins one of two major trophies – Liga title or Champions League – for the club.

The Catalan club has signed the veteran coach in January as replacement for Ernesto Valverde. However, recent performances of the team, especially slipping two point behind rival Real Madrid in La Liga title race, has made the board members unhappy.

Unless Barca's displays for the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign have a significant upswing, it is understood that it is inevitable Setien will leave his post in the summer.

The former Real Betis boss was given a two-and-a-half-year contract in January, however as things stand his run at the Camp Nou will not last long.

As per the Goal, Player power at Barcelona is strong - led by stars such as Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique - and the dressing room has turned against Setien due to confusion at his tactics and unhappiness at his comments in the press.

It is reported that the player are unhappy with their boss for being too hands-on in training, while the assistant manager, Eder Sarabia, is also a very unpopular figure.

Setien has also lost the confidence of the board, who hoped the coach would help smooth things over after Valverde's departure - however poor results and negative football has ensured this has not been the case.

Former Barca star Xavi, now coach of Qatari club Al Sadd, has admitted he is preparing to manage his old club in the future and the Camp Nou board may try and persuade him to return this summer.