In the press room ahead of the match with Mallorca, the Spaniard touched on the ongoing Negreira case as the spotlight remained fixed on football’s latest controversy.
Quique Setién, head coach of Villarreal CF, addressed the day’s developments surrounding the well-known Negreira case before speaking to reporters about his team’s preparations for the trip to Palma to face RCD Mallorca. The Spaniard shared his perspective on the situation as he prepared his squad for the weekend clash.
Setién: “There are many things in football and in life that are rotten”
The Cantabrian manager was not shy about voicing his concerns regarding the recent uproar. He noted that certain matters in football and life exist on the margins and that, with experience, one learns to accept that some issues are difficult to change. The coach suggested that despite the desire for integrity, the realities of the sport can produce a sense of powerlessness when confronted with entrenched problems and public scrutiny.
Setién: “We all know that where there is money, there are many interested parties and a lot of pollution”
He added that, in football as in life, money tends to attract attention and, unfortunately, some figures try to leverage it irrespective of merit. The coach remarked that the sport has long faced individuals who did not contribute on the field but still managed to influence outcomes, and that the presence of financial interests can muddy the air around decisions and narratives.
To Mallorca, with the losses of Gerard and Coquelin
On Mallorca’s current form, Setién highlighted the team’s positive phase while acknowledging the injuries that complicate Villarreal’s plans. He explained that several key players would be unavailable, forcing the squad to adapt. Yet he stressed that the depth of the club offers alternatives, including players from the reserve side who are ready to step in and maintain competitive standards. The manager described the situation as a disruption, though not an insurmountable obstacle for a team used to managing shifts in the lineup.
Setién praised the attitude of the younger players who could be called upon. He emphasized that their level is clear and that their readiness will be tested in the coming days. Gerard’s weight gain and fitness were specifically mentioned as uncertainties, with the coach noting that today’s training did not include him. Nevertheless, he did not rule out anyone from contributing, except for those facing serious limitations and those unavailable due to injury or suspension.
The overall message was one of cautious optimism: the squad would rely on collective effort, flexibility, and the growth of emerging talents to navigate a demanding schedule. The coach insisted that the team remains focused on the task ahead, regardless of the external debates surrounding the sport.
Source: Goal