Why Hasn’t Setién Been Sacked? Media: Lack of Suitable Replacements and Two Key Goals Remain

After three straight defeats in the Chinese Super League, Beijing Guoan have practically fallen out of the title race. Yet Quique Setién has kept his job, and local media have revealed why.

“Passing the Buck” After Defeats

Following their loss to Shanghai Port, Guoan sit 4th with 48 points, six behind the top two. With only five rounds left, the title chase is all but over.

Fans were furious with Setién’s behavior—he skipped handshakes with players and went straight to the locker room. At the post-match press conference, his comments were seen as shirking responsibility:
“Before this match, the title was no longer in our own hands. All we can do now is focus on finishing each game properly.”

Journalist Zhao Yu blasted him: “That’s completely irresponsible. A head coach should show accountability, but he hasn’t.”

Why Wasn’t He Sacked?

Despite pressure, the club stopped short of firing him. According to Football News, many coaches—both foreign and domestic—have been recommended in recent weeks. But the board feels that if they change managers now, it should be with long-term planning, not just a stopgap move.

Media figure Li Pingkang explained:
“The main reason Setién is still in charge is simple: the current candidates aren’t convincing enough, nor would they satisfy fans. A coach like Setién comes with his own tactical philosophy, and he needs players tailored to that system. Expecting him to improvise with the existing squad makes no sense—you might as well hire a domestic coach for that.”

He added that Setién deserves at least one transfer window to bring in his players. If things don’t improve after that, then dismissal would be justified. “Breaking up now would mean wasting both time and money already invested.”

Two Objectives Still in Play

Not everyone agrees. Reporter Yong Fangfang criticized Setién’s lack of leadership:
“After defeat, he turned away immediately, without consoling or encouraging the players. In the press conference, it was the same formula—praise the opponent, defend himself, and shift focus to the next game. That’s not the responsibility of a true head coach.”

Still, the season isn’t over. Guoan may be out of the title race, but they still have the FA Cup final and must secure their top-four finish to avoid being overtaken by the fifth-placed team. Sticking with Setién without any spark, Fangfang warned, could mean “leaving everything to fate.”