Barcelona manager Quique Setien isn’t planning on using the January transfer window to strengthen his squad despite the prospect of the club being without Luis Suarez for the rest of the season. The 32-year-old has already had surgery on his right knee and is expected to be unavailable for around four months.
However, Setien, who was named as Barca’s new boss on Monday following the club’s decision to sack Ernesto Valverde, is planning on working with the players he currently has at his disposal.
Although the 61-year-old did admit he might make changes to the system used by his predecessor.
"Right now we have to think about the players we have," Setien said.
Barcelona transfer news: Quique Setien isn't looking to add players to his squad in January (Image: GETTY)
"We might change things to our system, but we need to evaluate a lot and speak with the players.
"But the philosophy won't change.”
Setien, who has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Barca, had previously managed Real Betis and led them to their highest finish since 2005 before leaving the club in May.
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The Spaniard inherits a team which is top of La Liga, albeit only ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference, are still in the Copa del Rey and will be facing Napoli in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Valverde had been under pressure following Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final comeback last season.
The Reds managed to overturn a 3-0 Barca win in the first leg, as they produced a stunning 4-0 victory at Anfield to progress to the final.
With a series of disappointing results and performances on the field this season, it all came to a head when Atletico Madrid beat Barca 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup and Valverde was promptly shown the door.
Barcelona transfer news: Luis Suarez is is expected to be out for around four months (Image: GETTY)