Barcelona players express their feelings for Quique Setien’s assistant

Both Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba were asked about Barcelona’s latest “controversy” following their last match.

Barcelona suffered but beat Real Sociedad 1-0 in what they hoped would help everyone move on from the Clasico defeat. But remnants of said defeat were still on display immediately during the on-field interview.

The “controversy” still on some people’s minds was that of Eder Sarabia. Quique Setién’s right-hand man was caught being very animated on the bench and openly criticizing players. Reports later came out that the locker room did not appreciate his antics.

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Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba were asked about Sarabia and the reaction from the locker room.

"“I think it’s normal that the assistant manager have that adrenaline and intensity at the Bernabeu and express himself in that way,” said Pique.“I see it as completely normal, all the players in the locker room talked about it.Source: Diario Sport"

Pique went on to say that Sarabia apologized to the players but that there was no problem about it from their end. In fact, the players prefer there to be intensity coming from the bench.

He added that from an institutional standpoint, perhaps the problem came from that end and it was simply another story that comes out after a loss that the players need to come out and disprove.

Alba echoed similar sentiments.

"“It’s as if Sarabia killed someone. It’s as if now the coaching staff can’t express themselves how they want or at all. He lives football intensely, he did not show a lack of respect to anyone, in his place I’d have done the same or worse, we’re not upset.”Source: Mundo Deportivo"

With those comments the players want to put this issue to rest. They are not upset at Sarabia’s antics on the bench and consider this a non-story.

The cameras seemed to be focused on Sarabia during certain moments. While he was asked to tone it down, he was still animated at moments during a tense match and if the players don’t have a problem, then neither should anyone else.

Plenty of stories came out after the Clasico loss and in the week leading up to the Real Sociedad match. For everyone involved, they just want to put this one behind them and focus on what’s next.