5 Talking Points from Barcelona's January transfer window | La Liga 2019-2020 

# 3 Quique Setien could be the fall guy for the board's shortcoming

Quique Setien could pay the price for Barcelona's transfer shortcomings

Quique Setien's appointment as Barcelona manager was a peculiar one to say the least and apart from the fact that he is a self-professed disciple of the 'Cruyff way of playing', not much else in his CV suggests that he is up to the task for one of the biggest jobs in the footballing world.

In many ways, the 61-year-old is just happy to be in the job, with the transition from 'walking cows in his village' to coaching the best player in history making him the perfect fall guy if Barcelona's season descends into chaos.

The fact that the former Real Betis manager does not have a significant managerial pedigree means that he is not in a position to make demands from the Barcelona board and this much has been evident from his press conferences so far,

Barcelona reportedly bid the sum of £85m for Richarlison which was rejected by Everton, while they also saw their efforts for Aubameyang and Rodrigo turned down.

This coupled with the departure of Carles Perez means that the Catalans would finish the campaign short of options upfront and in the event of a likely capitulation, the blame can easily be shifted to the newly appointed manager.