Setien says Barcelona are not distracted by off-field issues
Barcelona have tripped from one controversy to the next in recent weeks, but Quique Setien and the players are focused on results.
Head coach Quique Setien does not expect Barcelona's focus to waver over a key run of games despite a series of off-field controversies.
Barca face Eibar on Saturday before visiting Napoli in their Champions League last-16 first leg in midweek and then taking on LaLiga title rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico on March 1.
The forthcoming schedule represents a make-or-break stretch in the season for Setien's side, who are a point behind Madrid in the table.
Yet a number of incidents away from the pitch have overshadowed the early weeks of Setien's tenure.
Director of football Eric Abidal suggested the players had not been working for previous coach Ernesto Valverde prior to his January dismissal, prompting a strong response from captain Lionel Messi.
Barca then denied allegations made by Spanish radio network Cadena SER this week that they hired a company to damage the image of key figures associated with the club, including Messi, by spreading negative messages on social media platforms.
But Setien is not distracted said ahead of the Eibar game: "You'd think it might affect us, but the reality is it's not like that. We're very focused on what we need to focus on. We're focused on football matters, we have a lot to focus on. We know what goes on, but I can assure you it doesn't influence anything.
Also in with the chance of a first-team debut is Barcelona B left-back Sergio Akieme, who joined the club from Rayo Vallecano in September.
The 22-year-old has been called up to provide cover for Junior Firpo after Jordi Alba injured his right adductor last weekend, potentially making the Spain international a doubt to face Madrid.