FC Barcelona

Barcelona have reportedly had a massive £85 million (€100 million) bid for Everton forward Richarlison turned down by Carlo Ancelotti's side. 

The Catalan giants are searching for a replacement for striker Luis Suarez, who is out for four months after undergoing knee surgery, but the Toffees "rejected the offer immediately," according to Sky Sports.

Richarlison is reportedly "a long-standing target" of Eric Abidal, Barcelona's sporting director, and the Spanish champions also had an enquiry for the 22-year-old "knocked back" last summer, per the report.

Richarlison joined Everton from Watford in 2018 on a five-year deal for a fee that could rise as high as £50 million, according to BBC Sport. 

The Brazilian has gone on to make 66 appearances for the Merseysiders in all competitions, scoring 24 goals and contributing five assists.

His form saw Everton reward him with a new long-term deal in December 2019 that will keep him at Goodison Park at least until 2024. He told EvertonTV at the time he intends "to be here for a long time."

Richarlison has 10 goals and four assists in the Premier League for Everton in 2019-20 and is a key player, but the reported interest from Barcelona and the huge sum mentioned still comes as a big surprise.

Dominic King at the Daily Mail said Everton have described the reported bid from Barca as "nonsense" and now consider the matter closed.

Martyn Ziegler at The Times also expressed doubts over the report, while ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan said "Barca don't have €100m to sign anyone, never mind Richarlison" and noted how the club have been trying to offload youngsters in order to "balance the books".

Barcelona do appear in need reinforcements in attack due to Suarez's injury and with Ousmane Dembele still out with a hamstring problem, meaning the club's only fit forwards are Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and 17-year-old Ansu Fati.

Manager Quique Setien told reporters on Wednesday that "if a No. 9 comes, he'll be welcome" but "if that doesn't happen, I will be delighted with what I have."

Yet finance is an issue for Barcelona who have spent big on Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong in recent windows. They have already pulled out of a deal to sign Rodrigo from Valencia as they could not agree a fee, according to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Football Espana).

Setien's men still have time to bring in a player before Friday's deadline but are said to be "searching for a good, mobile & cheap No. 9," according to Sport's Toni Juanmarti.

Valencia manager Albert Celades confirmed on Tuesday that Barcelona are negotiating a move for striker Rodrigo Moreno.

Celades told reporters the Spanish champions are keen to bring in the 28-year-old before the transfer window closes on Friday.

"Rodrigo is a player who can make the difference, that's why Barcelona want him," he said. "We all know there are negotiations in progress and we're not going to hide it."

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said Rodrigo's name is "on the table" as the club look for cover for striker Luis Suarez, who has been ruled out for four months after undergoing knee surgery:

Barca president Josep Bartomeu:

🗣 "We don't talk about players from other teams. But [Rodrigo's] name is on the table of the coaches.

"And a replacement [for Luis Suarez] will arrive. I do not know whether it will be from Barcelona B or from outside." pic.twitter.com/rAORCxNfHX

— GOAL (@goal) January 28, 2020

Suarez's injury is a blow to the Spanish champions. The Uruguay international has 11 goals and seven assists in 17 La Liga appearances this season. The Catalan giants have managed one goal in two La Liga games since he was sidelined.

Rodrigo is an experienced striker who has been at Valencia since joining from Benfica in 2015. He scored 15 goals across 33 appearances in all competitions for Valencia last season and has managed four goals and 10 assists in 2019-20 in 23 outings.

Barcelona want to sign Rodrigo on loan until the end of the season, but Valencia would prefer a permanent transfer for €60 million, according to Ben Hayward at the Evening Standard.

ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan explained why the transfer fee is a problem for Barca:

On Rodrigo - Barca don't have money to trigger €60m clause so might loan and pay in summer. Or try and include Nelson Semedo in deal. Jorge Mendes agent of both players. Lim [used to] own Rodrigo's rights.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) January 28, 2020

Meanwhile, Superdeporte have reported that Barcelona could include Sporting CP star Bruno Fernandes as part of a deal to land Rodrigo:

Barcelona could swoop for Man Utd target Bruno Fernandes then send him straight on loan to Valencia in part exchange for Rodrigo Moreno, according to Superdeporte 🤯

Penny for your thoughts, Ole? 😬 pic.twitter.com/VEASND3zOA

— GOAL (@goal) January 28, 2020

Sport have reported that Barca do not want to spend heavily in January, and the deal for Fernandes would be "paid in instalments, the first of which would be relatively low." The club are also said to be hopeful they can raise funds by selling Carles Perez to Roma.

The arrival of Rodrigo would boost Barcelona's attacking options for the remainder of the season as they continue to fight for trophies on three fronts. He would join Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati in the squad.

The 28-year-old is likely to take Suarez's role in the team as the central striker but could also play out wide, allowing Griezmann to feature in the middle.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has confirmed Valencia striker Rodrigo Moreno is of interest to the club, who could reportedly sign Sporting CP star Bruno Fernandes as part of the deal.

Juan Jimenez of AS wrote the Blaugrana will make a single signing in the final days of the winter transfer window, and Bartomeu suggested Valencia star Rodrigo could be their man, per A. Segura of Marca.

The club president was asked about Barca's interest in Rodrigo and replied: "We don't talk about players from other teams. But [Rodrigo's] name is on the table of the coaches. And a replacement will arrive. I do not know whether it will be from Barcelona B or from outside (the club). I like many players."

Superdeporte (h/t Conrado Valle of AS) reported Portugal international Fernandes—closely linked with a move to Manchester United this month—may spend next season on loan at Valencia if he moves to the Camp Nou.

It's understood Barca have moved into the race to sign Fernandes in the summer and could agree to send him to Valencia for the 2020-21 season, which could aid their attempt to lure Rodrigo. However, Valencia might understandably be reluctant if they fail to sign a Rodrigo replacement this month.

Moises Llorens and Sam Marsden of ESPN reported talks between Barcelona and Valencia have "accelerated over the last two days," with Barcelona "pushing for an initial loan with an obligatory purchase clause included for the summer," while Valencia would prefer to complete the deal in the January window.

However, Barcelona reportedly didn't plan to spend in the January window ahead of major plans for the summer:

"Barca didn't plan to spend any money this month due to the club's financial situation. They need to bring in over €100 million before the end of June to balance the books, with the idea of then moving for either Lautaro Martinez or Neymar in the summer. Sources have told ESPN that the possible arrival of Rodrigo this month would not alter those plans as they continue to plan for a future without Suarez, who turned 33 this week."

Sporting manager Silas was uncertain about Fernandes' future when he spoke to reporters after the midfielder captained his side to a 1-0 win over Maritimo on Monday:

Sporting manager Silas still doesn't know if Bruno Fernandes has played his last game...

🗣 "I can't confirm it. I would like him to stay.

"Right now I don't know if he will stay or not, but I would like to count on him at least until the end of the season." pic.twitter.com/8gWP13JNVQ

— GOAL (@goal) January 28, 2020

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is expected to be out of action until May after he underwent surgery on his right knee in mid-January, with manager Quique Setien short on alternative senior options up front.

Antoine Griezmann—who joined in a €120 million transfer from Atletico Madrid last summer—could be fielded in a central role.

Onda Deportiva (h/t football writer Andrew Gaffney) confirmed Rodrigo was missing from Valencia's training session on Tuesday:

Rodrigo Moreno, who has been heavily linked with a move to Barça, isn't training with Valencia CF this morning. #LaLiga https://t.co/y1KzOzkaAQ

— Andrew Gaffney (@GaffneyVLC) January 28, 2020

The 28-year-old has scored only four times in 23 appearances for Valencia this season but has an impressive tally of 10 assists. What's more, half his goals this campaign have clinched UEFA Champions League victories, scoring in 1-0 wins against Chelsea and Ajax.

Valencia captain Jose Luis Gaya told Marca (h/t Football Espana) it would be a "real blow" if the club sold Rodrigo, expressing his concern that it would be too late to sign an adequate replacement.

Cadena SER (h/t Goal's Ronan Murphy) reported Valencia are targeting a Rodrigo replacement at Borussia Dortmund, who recently signed Norwegian wonderkid Erling Haaland from Red Bull Salzburg:

Paco Alcacer has agreed to join Valencia from Borussia Dortmund, according to SER. However, Valencia are waiting to sell Rodrigo first. #BVB

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) January 28, 2020

Jimenez added that 21-year-old right-back Moussa Wague doesn't look likely to feature in Setien's plans and could be used as a sweetener in Barca's attempts to sign Rodrigo.

The alleged interest in Fernandes could work in Barca's favour both in the short and long term, helping them solve their woes in attack while attracting one of Europe's in-form attacking midfielders.

Barcelona—who lost 2-0 at the Mestalla on Saturday—face Leganes in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Thursday, with the January transfer window set to close on Friday.     

Barcelona have reportedly made Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang their "top target" for the January transfer window.

The Blaugrana are short of centre-forward options with Luis Suarez expected to be out for the next four months following knee surgery.

According to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, they are keen to add a striker to their ranks this month and have put the Gunners star first on their list of potential acquisitions.

"Although head coach Mikel Arteta has insisted he wants to keep Aubameyang until at least the end of the season, Barca hope that Gabriel Martinelli’s good form may tempt Arsenal into a late rethink," Law added.

It's noted that the Blaugrana "fear" Arsenal would demand a fee in the region of £50 million for their star goalscorer, even though Aubameyang has just 18 months to run on his contract in north London. Law also said that reports in Spain claiming the player has agreed personal terms with the La Liga side are wide of the mark.

Law noted that Arsenal are in a conundrum when it comes to Aubameyang's future and the player potentially losing value:

Would Arsenal fans rather sell Aubameyang this week (and reinvest the money immediately) or wait until the summer and risk him going anyway for less? That's the choice they will face with Barca set to make an inquiry. Rodrigo already lined up as Barca's first-choice alternative. https://t.co/gOOVSgIJu1

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) January 27, 2020

The 30-year-old was made club captain earlier in the season, with former skipper Granit Xhaka stripped of the honour following his infamous substitution against Crystal Palace.

While his leadership skills are clearly valued at the Emirates Stadium, the forward's goalscoring talent is just as vital, as Aubameyang has honed his reputation as one of the most ruthless finishers in world football.

Squawka Football summed up how much Arsenal depend on the Gabon international to finish chances:

Arsenal's goal-scorers in the Premier League this season:

14 - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5 - Alexandre Lacazette
4
3 - Nicolas Pépé
2 - David Luiz, Sokratis
1 - Calum Chambers, Lucas Torreira, Gabriel Martinelli

*gulps* pic.twitter.com/sLzNgTbOPp

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 15, 2020

His most recent strike came in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, a game in which Aubameyang was later sent off for a rash challenge:

Özil ➡️ Lacazette ➡️ Aubameyang ➡️ GOAL!

Arsenal take an early lead at Palace after some beautiful link-up play 😍

His 16th goal of the season! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YEcQhB5iYi

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 11, 2020

The striker is still suspended for that dismissal. While Gabriel Martinelli has come into the side and performed well in his absence, at 18, he still has plenty to learn about leading the line at the highest level.

Barcelona have some of the best attacking players in the world on their books in Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann, but without Suarez, they lack someone who is a natural leading the line. 

Per OptaJose, Messi sought to take responsibility in a blunt attack during Barcelona's 2-0 loss to Valencia on Saturday:

11 - Lionel Messi has had more shots without scoring in a single #LaLiga's game in his Barcelona's career (eleven, level with vs Deportivo de La Coruña at Camp Nou in December 2017). Dismay#FCBarcelona#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/GdOam5HoNj

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 25, 2020

If the La Liga side were to make a significant offer for Aubameyang, then it's one Arsenal would have to consider. With the striker reportedly keen to move on, an extension appears unlikely at this stage, and the Gunners would not be able to demand a huge fee in the summer as a result.

From Barcelona's standpoint, there will surely be some hesitancy over parting with big money for a 30-year-old forward, especially given Suarez recently turned 33 and Messi is 32.  

Barcelona manager Quique Setien made no excuses for his team's performance in the 2-0 loss to Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.

It was the first time the Blaugrana were beaten under their new manager, with two second-half goals from Maxi Gomez enough for Los Che to earn a memorable victory.

Barcelona were nowhere near their fluid best at the Mestalla, and when chances were created, they were profligate. After the match, Setien said he was unhappy with some aspects of the display, although said he was unable to fault the application of his players, per Marca (h/t Football Espana):

"The reality is that we were not good. We did not perform well, particularly in the first half.

"We were unable to take our chances to score, and we were unable to find a way through Valencia. They have taken their chances well, and that has decided the game. They have taken their chances well, and that has decided the game."

Per Juan Jimenez of AS, the new manager added "there were things that [were] certainly picked up on today or badly interpreted."

Here are the highlights from the match at the Mestalla, as Barcelona opened the door for rivals Real Madrid to edge ahead in the La Liga title race:

As Squawka Football highlighted, even Lionel Messi was unable to find a way through despite taking a great number of shots:

Lionel Messi had 11 shots against Valencia today; more than every other Barcelona player combined (3).

Unable to break through Valencia. pic.twitter.com/64yQaqk6Lr

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 25, 2020

Going into the weekend's games, the Catalan giants and their great rivals were level on points at the summit of the La Liga table. Real Madrid can move into the outright lead with any positive result against Real Valladolid on Sunday.

Barcelona's display on Saturday suggested it will be difficult for them to retain their La Liga crown this season, as there are a number of issues that Setien needs to resolve.

Spanish football writer Rik Sharma believes the new head coach has a grasp on how big a job he faces:

In Setien's favour, he does understand that what Barcelona are doing isn't close to sufficient. Not blaming the refs etc. Says the players don't understand/he hasn't been able to explain what he wants of them yet

— Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) January 25, 2020

Writer Dermot Corrigan commented on the conviction with which the Barcelona boss spoke of his footballing principles too:

Setien really does talk like a true believer - he's convinced he knows best thing for his players to do. Gonna be interesting to see how big Barca names take to such instruction.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) January 25, 2020

Former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde moved away from the club's ethos, instilled by the likes of Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola. Setien is of the same school of thought as the latter duo and, as such, will no doubt receive patience.

What is certain is that the new manager must find a way of getting this team to thrive, irrespective of whether Messi is at his imperious best. Failing that, it's tough to see Barcelona winning La Liga or the UEFA Champions League this season.

Barcelona manager Quique Setien described Valencia striker Rodrigo as "extraordinary" on Friday amid speculation the Catalan giants want to sign the Spain international in the January transfer window. 

Setien spoke to reporters (h/t Marca) about the 28-year-old ahead of Barcelona's La Liga match with Valencia at Mestalla on Saturday:

"Rodrigo? I like all good players. He's an extraordinary footballer, tomorrow he could give us problems and he is a key player for their team. I would have preferred if he wasn't playing, but we know that if he's not there then there is another player, Valencia have a great squad with or without Rodrigo."

Setien wants Barcelona to sign a new No. 9 in January after losing Luis Suarez to injury for four months, and the club's top target is Rodrigo, according to Sport. Barca have held talks with his agent, Jorge Mendes, and want to bring him in on loan.

Rodrigo joined Valencia from Benfica in 2015 and has become an important player for Los Che. The striker has eight goals in all competitions for Valencia this season and was also on target for Spain in their UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against Sweden and the Faroe Islands.

Opta highlighted his impressive record for the national team:

10 - Rodrigo Moreno has been involved in ten goals in his 22 appearances for Spain (eight goals & two assists). Required#swedenspain #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/UzTsaaLcuH

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 15, 2019

Rodrigo has been sidelined by injury in recent weeks but could play against Barcelona on Saturday. Valencia coach Albert Celades told reporters "he's ready to play and to help us."

The striker is just one of many attackers who have been linked with a move to Barcelona before the close of the transfer window at the end of the month. 

Catalan newspapers Mundo Deportivo and Sport (h/t Santi Gimenez at AS) have reported that Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bundesliga top scorer Timo Werner are also targets.

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is also reportedly on Barcelona's radar, according to Sport (h/t Football Espana).

Suarez's injury has left Barcelona light in attack and a winter signing does make sense as the club remain in contention in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.

However, time is running out in the transfer window and Barca also have the option of using Antoine Griezmann as a No. 9 for the rest of the season. The Frenchman played in a central role on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey and scored both goals in Barca's 2-1 win over UD Ibiza.

Frenkie de Jong believes he can play "much better" for Barcelona and has said he would give his start to life at the club a rating of six out of 10.

The midfielder made the move from Ajax to the Blaugrana in the summer having developed into one of the best playmakers in the game with the Dutch giants. 

De Jong's start to his Barcelona career has been mixed, as he struggled to settle into the team and find a regular position. The Netherlands star will now be out to impress new manager Quique Setien and cement his place in the side.

Per Ivan San Antonio and Javier Giraldo of Sport, De Jong assessed the first few months of his Barcelona career:

"I am really enjoying it. My dream as a kid was always to play for Barca. I am really happy to be here. We can improve, of course, like many other things, but at the moment I am really enjoying it. 

" ... [I would give myself six out of 10]. For now, six or a six-and-a-half. I have played a lot of minutes and I've more or less played well, I am happy, but I know my performances could be much better. "

On Thursday, it was one year since the Blaugrana confirmed the acquisition of De Jong:

#OnThisDay | January 23, 2019

We announced the signing of the young Dutch phenom, @DeJongFrenkie21.

Since arriving in the summer, he's ... https://t.co/rolZHgGcwD

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 23, 2020

De Jong was crucial to Ajax enjoying an incredible 2018-19. They romped to the Eredivisie title, won the KNVB Cup and made it to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, missing out on the final after Tottenham Hotspur scored a dramatic stoppage-time goal in the second leg.

While his role was clear at Ajax last season, he failed to establish a rhythm under former manager Ernesto Valverde.

Per ESPN FC, De Jong was also dismissed for the first time in the first game of the new year:

Frenkie de Jong is sent off for the first time in his career 💔 pic.twitter.com/8FJnmDfj9U

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 4, 2020

That ban meant De Jong missed the first game new manager Quique Setien took charge of, which was a 1-0 win over Granada on Sunday. The player was also asked for his thoughts on the managerial change.

"I don't know. Normally when you change coach it's not a good sign," he said. "I think we could have played better, but we weren't doing that bad, either. ... We did well with Valverde, and I hope we can keep on doing well with Setien."

Football writer Musa Okwonga expects De Jong to shine under the guidance of the new coach:

Given the way they have played so far tonight, I cannot wait to see Frenkie de Jong play for Setien’s Barcelona.

— Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) January 19, 2020

De Jong started Barcelona's Copa del Rey 2-1 win over Ibiza on Wednesday and brilliantly set up Antoine Griezmann's first goal with a pinpoint pass.

Setien's style of football is centred around controlling the game through possession and resourceful use of the ball. For De Jong, who is so technically adept and cerebrally sharp, the appointment should elevate his play to another level at the Camp Nou.  

Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann has said he's learning about how to establish a connection with team-mate Lionel Messi on the field.

Griezmann joined the Blaugrana in the summer from Atletico Madrid having long been linked with a switch to the Camp Nou. After a slow start to his time at the club, he's made gradual improvements and is beginning to reach the levels he showcased so frequently at Atletico.

He's also beginning to develop an understanding with Messi in attack, and Griezmann has outlined what it's like to play alongside the Barcelona icon, per DAZN (h/t Chris Burton of Goal): "Leo is the strongest player in the world and it's nice to share the pitch with him. I try to understand his movements and move well when he has the ball to have a better connection."

There were some rumours earlier in the season that there was a disconnect between Messi and Griezmann, especially at the time when the latter was struggling to find his best.

Messi dismissed suggestions that he didn't want the club to sign the former Atletico star in October, per RAC1 (h/t Dom Farrell of Goal): "Obviously it is a lie that I did not want Griezmann. Last year, I said he was one of the best and the best are always welcome."

Now there appears to be more on-field chemistry between the two, although Griezmann has shown he can perform without Messi, too.

His brace was key to Barcelona avoiding an upset in the Copa del Rey against Ibizia:

Per OptaJose, the 28-year-old has been able to make his mark in a number of different competitions for his new club:

4 - @FCBarcelona's Antoine Griezmann is the first player to score in LaLiga, Champions League, Supercopa and Copa del Rey this season. Confidence. pic.twitter.com/Iy83X7Ctmr

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 22, 2020

In the same interview, Griezmann also spoke about how proud he is to represent the Catalan giants and the ambitions he wants to fulfil:

"It's a pride thing, I'm very happy to be at Barcelona. My father is very happy to see his son playing at Barcelona. I want to write the history of this club. I have to work to do it, I have to work to be important for this club

"I hope to improve both in goals and assists. I'm adapting, trying to learn as much about the tactics as possible. I feel very good, physically and mentally. I really want to work. I really want to improve."

Having played out on the left flank for much of the campaign, there have been early signs under new manager Quique Setien that Griezmann's role will be more fluid, per Rafael Hernandez of Barca fansite Grup14:

Messi, Ansu and Griezmann all interchanging attacking positions between them 💉

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) January 19, 2020

With Luis Suarez sidelined because of injury, expect to see Griezmann used in central positions a lot more frequently in the coming months.

That should give him more opportunities to score and create goals, in addition to refining his relationship with Messi. Griezmann will certainly be hoping to improve his goalscoring ratio in 2020, with a haul of 11 from 27 appearances this term not indicative of a player of his ability.  

Barcelona's players tend to "go easy" on Lionel Messi in training in order to avoid injuring the Argentinian superstar, according to Jean-Clair Todibo.

The 20-year-old joined Barca from Toulouse in January 2019. He made two La Liga appearances in the second half of last season and two more in the first half of 2019-20 before moving to Schalke on a six-month loan earlier in January.

Talking to German outlet Bild (h/t Goal's James Westwood), Todibo explained the precautions that are taken at Barca to avoid causing Messi any problems: "We all knew that he couldn't get injured. I learned a lot [from Messi] and also stole a few balls from him [in training]. But you go easy on Messi; nobody wants to hurt him."

Messi, 32, remains the most important player in Barcelona's squad.

When he missed the first four games of the 2019-20 La Liga campaign because of a foot injury, Barca made their worst start to a season in 25 years:

7 - With seven points from five games, Barcelona have made their worst start to a LaLiga season since 1994/95 (also seven – three points per win). Worry. pic.twitter.com/6VligaBXmq

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 21, 2019

Messi is kind of important.

Barcelona has one win in their last eight without him.

(via @BRfootball) pic.twitter.com/cgvtUKS1Cp

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 31, 2019

As a result of his injury, it took the six-time Ballon d'Or winner until October to get his first goal of the campaign:

The last time Lionel Messi went from the start of the season until October without scoring a goal was 2005.

Ansu Fati was 2 years old.

— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) October 4, 2019

He now has 14 in La Liga and two in the UEFA Champions League in 2019-20.

Messi's continuing good form and fitness is even more important for Barcelona now after it was recently confirmed Luis Suarez will be out for around four months with a knee injury.

New manager Quique Setien opted to leave Messi out of the squad for Wednesday's Copa del Rey fixture against third-tier Ibiza, during which Barca trailed 1-0 for more than an hour.

They eventually scraped through thanks to an Antoine Griezmann double in the last 20 minutes.

Messi is likely to return to the starting XI for Barca's crucial away clash against Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.

Barcelona manager Quique Setien was far from pleased with his team's performance on Wednesday after they scraped past Ibiza in the Copa del Rey. 

The Blaugrana fell behind against the third-tier side on the night, with Josep Caballe Martin netting after just nine minutes. Barcelona needed a late brace from Antoine Griezmann, including a 94th-minute winner, to turn the game around and win 2-1.

It meant Setien narrowly avoided a shock result in the Copa, and it was no surprise that he was unhappy with what he had seen from his players, per Ramiro Aldunate of Marca:

"No, I didn't like the team. I would've preferred that it was all done in a different way. But at a ground like this, it's more difficult. They were aggressive and intense in defence. It wasn't easy.

"We're taking conclusions for the future. When you do things badly, that's when you can improve things.

"... I give a lot of credit to Ibiza, who played a really great game. It wasn't easy for us. We found it difficult. Also, they went a goal ahead, which complicated everything."

It was Setien's second game in charge of the club, having steered Barcelona to a 1-0 win over Granada on Sunday in La Liga.

In his first match, it was Lionel Messi who stepped up to produce a match-winning moment. Setien would have been thankful Griezmann was able to assume that role on Wednesday and avoid an embarrassing early defeat in his Barcelona tenure.

ESPN FC shared the two goals netted by the former Atletico Madrid man:

Griezmann levelled it, but that De Jong through ball 😍

Stream the Copa del Rey on ESPN+ ➡️ https://t.co/95Gjrn3uZb pic.twitter.com/umXWdQqlTq

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 22, 2020

GRIEZMANN SAVES BARCELONA IN STOPPAGE TIME! pic.twitter.com/iUVsDPjGtj

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 22, 2020

Griezmann has been able to make contributions in multiple competitions for the Blaugrana:

4 - @FCBarcelona's Antoine Griezmann is the first player to score in LaLiga, Champions League, Supercopa and Copa del Rey this season. Confidence. pic.twitter.com/Iy83X7Ctmr

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 22, 2020

The Spanish Football Podcast paid tribute to the effort of Ibiza:

FT Ibiza 1-2 Barcelona. What a game. What an effort from Ibiza and what an important brace from Griezmann to save Barca's blushes.

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) January 22, 2020

It's not a shock that Barcelona aren't getting to grips with Setien's setup immediately, as his style of football represents a significant shift from the brand deployed by former manager Ernesto Valverde.

Setien demands dominance of the ball from his players and set Barcelona up with a three-man defence in both of his matches in charge so far. After his heroics on Wednesday, Griezmann said the team will need time to adapt:

Griezmann "It's a new system for us with three at the back... we'll have to work to understand what the new manager wants".

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) January 22, 2020

Barcelona were without Messi on the night, with Setien opting to give the Argentina international a rest. Having his influence in the final third will only help the manager instil his principles in the coming months.

Setien will face another significant test as Barcelona manager on Saturday, when they travel to Valencia in a repeat of last year's Copa del Rey final. The Blaugrana are locked on points with rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga going into a crucial round of fixtures.