‘World is going mad’: Fans in shock as Real Betis sack manager ONE HOUR after win at Real Madrid

The Seville-based club announced the conclusion of Setien’s tenure as boss almost immediately following his side’s 2-0 away win against Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid, with goals from Loren Moron and Jese evidently not enough to secure another season in charge for the 60-year-old at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.

Setien had been a hot property in Spanish football since he forged his reputation with (relative) minnows Las Palmas, where he drew plaudits for the exciting, attractive brand of football his teams played. His first season at Betis was marked by an impressive sixth-placed finish, with the 60 goals his team scored good for the fourth-best record in the division.

A year ago, Setien was being talked up as a potential candidate for the Spain or Barcelona jobs. Real Betis confirmed his departure on social media, posting a picture of their former boss accompanied by the words “Gracias, Quique”.

This season, Setien’s second in charge, wasn’t quite as successful as his first. Their final position of tenth in the division wasn’t quite as impressive as last season suggested it may have been, though the Spanish manager did become the first boss to win away at Barcelona and Real Madrid in a single season since 2003. 

Sunday’s win against Real Madrid marks the second time in as many seasons that Tetien’s side emerged from the Santiago Bernabeu with three points, though apparently this is an achievement insufficient to continue his employment with the club – a fact which has left some fans of the club scratching their heads.

Ultimately though, Setien appears to be paying the price of an unsuccessful climax to the season which saw them claim wins in just three of their final eleven games, particularly when you consider that they were in fifth position as recently as December. 

“Everyone gets frustrated when you lose games, but our fans would have enjoyed today a lot,” Tetien said to assembled media upon the final whistle on Sunday, appearing to suggest he knew his time in charge of the club was limited. 

“All clubs fans are like that. If Madrid had won well today, they would be thinking more positively.

“It is clear that the passion of Betis fans goes a bit against a guy from the north like me, who is much more for explaining things with common sense. There was a misunderstanding, above and beyond football things.

“In the end it was me who had to change, and I must reflect on this and try to improve it.”

Real Betis confirmed following a 4-0 defeat to Levante in late April that Tetien would remain in charge of the club for the remainder of the season – and they have proved good to their word, almost to the minute.