Samper with SPORT: I would have liked to train under Quique Setien

Former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Samper, now at Japanese side Vissel Kobe, has spoken to SPORT about the new-look Barcelona under new coach Quique Setien. 

What do you think of the new-look Barça? Are you optimistic about the change?

I think so, yes. I didn't get to be with Setien in Las Palmas, but those that were with him spoke really well of him, they enjoyed working with him. I like his style. 

Is a style based on possession about out of fashion now?

I don't think so. It's true that the opposition study you and have their way of working, but if you're true to the style, you always get results. 

The critics say it lacks depth...

It's out style. The Barça DNA, it's what you're taught from a young age. It's not up for debate, in my opinion. 

Would Samper fit this Barça side?

I'm not there anymore, but of course, I would have like to be. I grew in the academy, I know the mechanisms... 

"At Las Palmas, they say Setien has a lot of character"

And would you have liked to have worked under Quique Setién?

Without doubt. He's a coach I really admire and I've still not been able to work with him. 

What stands out from what you were told at Las Palmas?

That he has a lot of character and was very meticulous when it came to tactics. He knows the opposition well and changed the system based on the opponent. 

Can you have character in the Barça dressing room?

I think so. They're experienced players, but they can have a general captain and Setien can do that really well. 

What does it mean that he played Riqui Puig in his first game?

It's important that the message (for the academy) arrived on the first day. It's an incentive for the kids and Setien, who's done what he said. 

"Ansu must keep his feet on the ground, he's well-advised"

Could we see a Barça side packed with academy players again?

I hope so. It's something we should not lose. There are great players at La Masia and in recent years many haven't consolidated themselves (in the first team).

Is Busquets better protected by three central defenders?

Without doubt. Busquets likes to press high, win a lot of balls back, and if the team is together, he's much better. 

Did you imagine Sergi Roberto as a centre-back one day?

No, to be honest, but he's played in every position. He's a focused guy that can play anywhere and do well. In the youth teams he also played as a striker, he's played as a left-back... 

Will it be tough for Ansu Fati to come through his ‘boom’?

It's not easy. He's a really young kid. He's still not even played for Barça B and he's racing through the teams really quickly. He has to keep his feet on the ground, but they tell me he's well-advised.