Joan Laporta ‘reshuffles Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy staff with Rafael Marquez brought in’

Joan Laporta ‘reshuffles Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy staff as new president places emphasis on bringing through youth talent into Ronald Koeman’s first team… with former stars Rafael Marquez and Sergi Barjuan set for coaching roles’

  • Joan Laporta has reshuffled the academy staff at Barcelona’s famed La Masia 
  • The 58-year-old has returned as club president, succeeding Josep Bartomeu 
  • And Laporta wants to replicate his previous success in promoting youth talent
  • Laporta oversaw the development of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets 
  • Former Barca stars Rafael Marquez and Sergi Barjuan have taken coaching roles 

Joan Laporta has reshuffled the academy staff at Barcelona‘s famed La Masia as the returning president looks to replicate his previous success in promoting youth into the senior team. 

Former president Josep Bartomeu placed little significance on youth development during his tenure in Catalonia, with the 58-year-old preferring to splash the cash on big name signings.

However, forging a pathway from the youth set up to Ronald Koeman‘s first team squad is back on the agenda under Laporta, who won last month’s election by a landslide, and he has already made moves to bring in old faces.

Joan Laporta has reshuffled Barcelona’s La Masia academy as he sets about his second term

The Catalonian's famed academy has seen few players promoted to the first team recently

The Catalonian’s famed academy has seen few players promoted to the first team recently

According to Marca, former Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez is set to join the club in a coaching capacity. 

The Mexican reportedly has an excellent relationship with Laporta, who personally contacted Marquez over the role. 

Sergi Barjuan, who spent nine years at the Nou Camp, has also been handed a coaching gig with the academy.

Former president Josep Bartomeu favoured high-profile, big-money signings at the club

Former president Josep Bartomeu favoured high-profile, big-money signings at the club

But Laporta is understood to be determined to feed young talent through to the first team

But Laporta is understood to be determined to feed young talent through to the first team

Laporta’s first spell as president was characterised by the promotion of youth players into the first team, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Thiago Alcantara all coming through under his watch.

The 58-year-old also hired the then-inexperienced and untested Pep Guardiola as manager in 2008, having been inspired by the current Man City boss’ exploits with the B team.

Bartomeu had attempted to change the structure of the La Masia academy during his tenure, bringing in Partick Kluivert and Victor Valdes. However, the pair clashed and both ended up leaving the club. 

Sergio Busquets was given his Barcelona debut in the 2008 campaign

Lionel Messi was brought through in 2004 and has been an integral part of Barca's team ever since

During his first tenure, Laporta oversaw the development of Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi

Former Barca defender Rafael Marquez (L) has also reportedly been offered a coaching role

Former Barca defender Rafael Marquez (L) has also reportedly been offered a coaching role

Other Barcelona legends have gone onto make their first steps in burgeoning managerial careers, with Xavi impressing at Al Sadd. The former midfielder had been linked with the Barca job before Ronald Koeman was appointed.

Mikel Arteta also came through the club’s famed academy before moving onto PSG as a youngster, and now manages Arsenal. Meanwhile, Thierry Henry has had mixed success during spells at Montreal CF and Monaco. 

Garcia Pimienta currently coaches Barcelona B, and is the longest-serving coach at La Masia, having joined the set up in 2001.