Quique Setién has officially confirmed that Barcelona has settled all outstanding financial obligations owed to him following his dismissal in 2020. The former manager revealed the news during an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena SER’s El Larguero programme, acknowledging the long delay while expressing relief that the matter has finally been resolved. However, Setién disclosed that he is now engaged in another legal battle with Villarreal regarding unpaid severance.
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Barcelona Payment Timeline
Barcelona took nearly four years for the Catalan giants to fully settle their financial obligations following Setién’s dismissal in 2020. The extended timeline highlighted the club’s severe liquidity problems during that period.
Upon his sacking, Setién initiated legal proceedings to recoup the money owed to him, joining a list of creditors that painted a grim picture of the club’s economic health.
| Period | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| August 2020 | Dismissal | Setién sacked after Bayern Munich 8-2 loss |
| 2020-2024 | Outstanding Debt | Barcelona failed to pay outstanding salary |
| 3-4 Years | Payment Delay | Time taken to settle all obligations |
| January 2024-2026 | Settlement | Barcelona finally completes all payments |
| Current Status | Resolved | Club owes Setién nothing |
Setién’s Statement
Setién declared in the interview that “Everything is sorted now,” confirming that FC Barcelona took three or four years to pay him but have now settled everything they owed. The manager expressed gratitude that the situation has been resolved, though he acknowledged the frustration of the extended waiting period.
The delayed payments reflected Barcelona’s broader financial crisis that affected multiple stakeholders. The club’s inability to quickly settle obligations with coaching staff and other creditors exposed structural economic vulnerabilities that required years to rectify.
Villarreal Dispute and Current Situation
| Club | Period of Employment | Years Owed | Legal Status | Expected Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | January-August 2020 | 3-4 years | Settled | Completed |
| Villarreal | October 2022-September 2023 | 2+ years | In Court | Pending Sentence |
Despite the Barcelona resolution, Setién revealed he is currently pursuing another legal case with Villarreal regarding unpaid compensation. The coach claimed that Villarreal have yet to pay him what he is contractually owed following his dismissal in 2023. Setién managed the Yellow Submarine from October 2022 until his dismissal in September 2023, but he claims the club has yet to pay him what he is contractually owed.
Outstanding Villarreal Claim
Setién claimed “Now I am waiting for Villarreal, that I haven’t collected anything yet and it has been almost three years” and “The topic is in the court. We have been waiting for a year and a half for a sentence to collect what they owe me.”
The Villarreal situation represents a continuation of similar payment disputes that plagued Setién’s managerial career. The coach expressed surprise that elite La Liga institutions would engage in such practices. Setién noted that legal proceedings have been ongoing for eighteen months without resolution, creating additional frustration.
Setién’s Reflection on Barcelona Experience
Despite the protracted financial dispute, Setién maintained that he did not regret his decision to manage Barcelona. The coach explained he turned down other opportunities to accept the position, including a concrete offer from Egypt’s national team. He acknowledged that circumstances at the club proved challenging, particularly the 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich that ultimately led to his dismissal.
Setién insisted that he holds no further grievances regarding the specific debt, noting that the delayed payment reflected broader economic circumstances beyond the club’s immediate control.
Current Barcelona Under Hansi Flick
Setién offered high praise for Barcelona’s current trajectory under manager Hansi Flick, praising the German’s tactical influence and demanding approach. Setién stated “The players are always the protagonists. I believe Flick’s influence is very significant. He is a demanding individual, and the squad has clearly embraced his tactical approach.”
The former Barcelona coach noted that Flick has successfully implemented a high-risk defensive approach that provides Barcelona with greater benefits than drawbacks. Setién suggested the young squad will continue improving over time as they develop under Flick’s leadership.
Read More: Barcelona Open Door for Marc Bernal Loan Exit as Girona Circles
FAQs
How long did it take Barcelona to pay Quique Setién?
Barcelona took 3-4 years to settle all outstanding financial obligations to Setién following his dismissal in August 2020. The extended timeline reflected the club’s significant liquidity and financial difficulties during that period.
Has Barcelona fully settled their debt to Setién?
Yes. Setién confirmed in his recent interview that Barcelona has completely settled all outstanding debts. The club now owes him nothing, and the financial matter is fully resolved.
What is the situation with Villarreal?
Setién is currently involved in a legal dispute with Villarreal over unpaid compensation from his tenure as manager from October 2022 to September 2023. The case remains in court pending a judicial sentence after eighteen months of waiting.
Why did Barcelona take so long to pay Setién?
The delays reflected Barcelona’s severe financial crisis and liquidity problems during 2020-2024. The club faced structural economic challenges that required legal proceedings and extended payment schedules to resolve obligations.
Does Setién regret his Barcelona experience?
No. Despite the extended payment dispute and the traumatic 8-2 Champions League loss, Setién stated he does not regret accepting the Barcelona position, viewing it as a unique opportunity despite difficult circumstances.
