Five candidates reportedly rejected the chance to become Barcelona manager before the job was offered to Quique Setien.

Former Real Betis boss Setien was the surprise replacement for Ernesto Valverde, who was removed from his position in the dugout last month.

However, according to AS, the 61-year-old was only handed the reins after the Catalan giants had been shunned by their other targets.

While it has been well documented that club legend Xavi turned down an approach from Barcelona, the likes of Massimiliano Allegri and Mauricio Pochettino were also not interested in succeeding Valverde.

The report adds that Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman and 'B' team manager Francisco Garcia Pimienta were also under consideration.

Setien has won three of his first four matches in the Barca hotseat, although he did oversee a defeat to Valencia in La Liga.

Written by
Darren Plant