New Barcelona manager Quique Setien is hoping Barcelona can make Lionel Messi so happy he doesn't contemplate leaving the reigning La Liga champions.
"I hope we make Messi so happy that he wants to stay," Setien told Spanish newspaper SPORT.
Setien was brought in as a replacement for Ernesto Valverde and the new manager suggested the club's style of play was taking a worrying detour under their previous boss as he declared his own desire to leave a more positive impression.
"I do believe Barça's play was going away from the original idea," Setien said. "I want to win all the games and my dream is to leave a good memory."
Barcelona failed to sign a new striker in January despite the fact Luis Suarez is currently sidelined with injury.
While far from an ideal situation for the Catalans' new coach, Setien is confident he can make do with the club's current squad.
"We can play with no pure striker, with [Antoine] Griezmann or we will figure out something," he said.
Setien singled out young attacker Ousmane Dembele for praise during the week and once again highlighted how impressed he's been with the Frenchman's dedication in the wake of recent injuries.
"I have tears when I see the intensity of his training," Setien said of the 22-year-old.
Yen13
467
this guy satien knows who's the king in Messi FC... if you're not messi friends, then you can't coach or play...
FootballChief
401
Satie knows if Messi is happy (with him) his job is more than 80% secured. The guy will do everything possible to make the Goat🐐 happy[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Puabcdek
229
if messi leave baca ,,that will be the end of story
HalfEmpty
199
I guess Barca had to find a Messi fan boy and make him manager. Listen, if Barca really needs to move ahead, then they need to find their next Guardiola. What was special about Guardiola was that upon arrival at Barca he knew no sacred cows, untouchables or unbenchables. He looked towards the brighter future rather than the brightness of a dying star. He removed top stars such as Ronaldinho, Henry and Eto'o, players who, though still at the top of their game, were still not to be included in the plans for the future. He chose instead to raise the future, Xavi, Iniesta and a certain Leo. This act of bravery ensured the dominance of Barca for the next decade. Now the question: Don't Barca think it's hightime the looked to the glory of the future rather than fight desperately to hold on to a closing era?