"Reflecting on the draw, the former midfielder admitted he secretly hoped for this pairing. "I'm happy with the draw, I was hoping for it," said the former Barcelona manager, according to SPORT."
"He also revisited one unforgettable moment from his playing days, adding, "Of course, I remember it. "Perfectly, I've seen it many times. And the goal I scored with my head. And Esteban's goal," a reference to Racing's famous 5-0 win over Barcelona in 1995."
"Drawing on his experience, he stressed the importance of discipline and bravery against a side like Barcelona. "I think everyone knows more or less where you can hurt them and where they are going to hurt you, that Barça is always going to hurt you." He then explained the key tactical demands, stating, "That said, the players have to be very committed in defence, stick together and judge very well when to come out.""
Quique Setién has a long-standing emotional connection to Racing Santander, having captained the side and playing a prominent role during Racing's famous 5-0 victory over Barcelona in 1995. He expressed private satisfaction at being drawn against Racing and vividly remembers his headed goal and Esteban's strike from that night. Setién is undecided about attending the match, saying his habits have changed and he does not want to appear solely because Barcelona is visiting. He outlined tactical priorities for Racing: defensive commitment, collective discipline, bravery, precise timing when stepping out, and maintaining possession to limit Barcelona's influence.
Read at Barca Universal
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