MADRID (AP) – Barcelona has made a rare coaching change midway through the season, replacing Ernesto Valverde with former Real Betis manager Quique Setien.
Monday's move came four days after the loss to Atletico Madrid in the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup, a result that significantly increased pressure on Valverde.
Setien, a 61-year-old Spaniard who used to play as a midfielder for Atletico Madrid, is known for setting up teams that often mimicked Barcelona's attacking-minded style.
It is the first time since 2003 that Barcelona is making a change in the middle of the season.