Setien happy as Barcelona mark LaLiga return with easy win

FC Barcelona coach Quique Setien was delighted to see his side get back into LaLiga action after a COVID-19-enforced layoff with a 4-0 win away to Mallorca on Saturday night.

Barca led as early as the second minute through an Arturo Vidal header, and although Mallorca caused them problems, especially through striker Takefusa Kubo, Martin Braithwaite netted a second for Barca before Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi sealed the win in the second half.

"It's very positive after so long without playing," commented Setien on Barcelona's TV channel, reports Xinhua news agency.

"It's true that in some parts of the game we lacked subtly with the ball, but we will gain that in the coming matches. It's also true that there were moments when Mallorca were dangerous, but we also had chances."

"There are things we can improve on, but I am satisfied and starting like that is a big incentive for the future," added the Barca coach.

Setien told reporters that midfielder Frenkie de Jong had been substituted because of a muscle problem, but said he hoped it wasn't serious.

"We want the players to be as fresh as possible because that will help us, and we have a squad that will help us. Some players will rest more, but with games [every 3 days] as we will have now, everyone is going to make changes and that means all our players are vital," said the coach, who also praised Braithwaite's performance and the composed display of B-team player Ronald Araujo in central defense.

( With inputs from IANS )