In an interview with Quique Setién published on Friday in El Periódico, the Barcelona manager says he has apologised to the squad about the behaviour of Eder Sarabia, his assistant who was filmed shouting at the players during the Real Madrid game last Sunday.

Setién also says there is too much reliance on Messi as they seek him out in every situation. "It's true that there are players who think of connecting with Messi too much," he said. "I would do it too. Messi resolves 90% of this team's games. I always say to my players that 'if the ball is at the feet of the best players, there's a chance things will turn out well.' That's why they look for him, you know that he'll do something. This dependence is normal. I prefer that they give it to gim. I'm relaxed."

Setién knows nothing of player discontent

There was also a report that the manager had lost the dressing room but Setién says: "It's the first news I have of that. I didn't know, how did it come out? I don't know (if it was leaked to the press). I go to the dressing room every day, I shake the players' hands and there is an extra-ordinary vibe. It's true that there are things that some people like to do in a certain manner. Everyone sees football how they see it. The relationship I have and I see with the players doesn't worry me at all. I am loving their attitude, their commitment, the desire they have to do the things we want well."

Setién also says that the contect influences players' form. "Like everything in life, the current mood influences you," he said. "Nothing is straight, there are situations that influence your mood. When a footballer's confidence is high, things can fo well. When it's down, what usually happens? Aside from those with big personalities, some hide behind their opponent and don't want the ball. Getting over those moments is not easy. Nobody wants to do something wrong, nobody wants to be wrong. It happens in football and in life. Controlling this for 90 minutes is difficult."