UCL: Why I’m not surprised by Barcelona’s woes under Xavi – Quique Setien

Former Barcelona head coach Quique Setien has revealed why he is not surprised by the club’s woes under current manager Xavi Hernández.

Setien insisted that he had foreseen the difficult phase Barcelona currently find themselves in, adding that it was natural for them to struggle during the transition period under Xavi following a series of successful seasons in the past.

Xavi’s men have bowed out of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive season.

The Catalan club were beaten 3-0 at home by Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

They are also second in the La Liga table, trailing league leaders Real Madrid by three points after 11 matches.

Barcelona’s recent results have shocked many, as very few expected them to struggle after making such a strong team in the summer transfer window.

“Barcelona have lived a great cycle and now they have to go through a period of hardship to get back on their feet again,” Setien said (via Barca Universal).

“I’m not surprised by Barcelona’s situation because I expected it.”