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Sergio Alegre has skilled two vital intervals at Barcelona, each of which have left a long-lasting influence on the membership.
Between 2001 and 2006, he labored as an assistant coach in Barcelona’s youth academy, serving to form younger skills. Extra just lately, he spent three years as Xavi’s assistant within the first staff, taking part in an important position within the staff’s improvement.
Reflecting on his time at Barcelona, Alegre mentioned varied features of the membership, together with Xavi’s philosophy and method to younger gamers.
Throughout an interview with SPORT, he emphasised that Xavi has at all times had confidence in younger skills, by no means hesitating to offer them alternatives when deserved and the emergence of Lamine Yamal was a main instance.
“Xavi likes to guess on younger gamers and has at all times been courageous and by no means hesitated with Lamine or the remainder of the younger gamers.
“It’s an incredible truth to make your debut at 15 years outdated, however Xavi didn’t hesitate, and now it’s clear he’s a participant of the longer term at Barcelona,” he mentioned.
Lamine Yamal’s debut – An opportunity or a necessity?
Lamine Yamal debuted underneath Xavi. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
Some would possibly argue that Yamal was launched attributable to necessity, however that was not the case. When he first broke into the staff, Barcelona already had skilled wingers like Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha.
“We noticed that Lamine must be the reference participant for Barcelona sooner or later. It’s true that we had Dembele and Raphinha in his place and we didn’t must play them, however he was given the chance.”
Nevertheless, it grew to become clear that Yamal had the potential to be a key participant for the membership’s future. His performances in coaching have been distinctive, and the teaching workers recognised his immense expertise.
“In coaching, we noticed that his efficiency was brutal, and our bodily trainers did an amazing job with him.”
From struggling bodily towards Osasuna to excelling towards Paris Saint-Germain, Yamal made fast progress, thanks partially to the health coaches who labored intently with him.
“I keep in mind how he went from having difficulties towards Osasuna with their participant Juan Cruz to outperforming Paris Saint-Germain. On a bodily stage, he took an enormous step ahead.”
On Pau Cubarsi
Pau Cubarsi is a mainstay at Barcelona. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
One other participant Alegre highlighted was Pau Cubarsi. Throughout their time on the membership, there was a robust connection between the primary staff, Barcelona B, and Juvenil A, which allowed younger gamers to coach frequently with the senior squad.
“The reality is that in our time there was an amazing relationship with Barcelona B and Juvenil A and we have been continually bringing gamers to coach with the primary staff, and Coparsi and Casado have been at all times in these coaching classes.”
His passing capability was outstanding, and he match the mould of a basic Barcelona centre-back—precisely what Xavi wished in that place.
“He’s a typical Barcelona centre-back and that’s every little thing Xavi was in search of on this place.”
Regardless of being solely 17, Cubarsi was trusted in a job the place expertise is usually essential. Alegre believes that Barcelona have secured a top-quality defender who might serve the membership for the following 15 years.
“He was 17 years outdated, however that was what we have been in search of and Xavi didn’t hesitate even if seniority is essential in central defence. With Cubarsi, we now have an amazing participant for 15 years.”
Then there’s Fermin Lopez
Fermin Lopez needed to spend a season on mortgage. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
Fermín Lopez was one other standout. Of their first season with the primary staff, Fermin attended a couple of coaching classes and impressed the teaching workers.
“In our first season, Fermin got here to some coaching classes and we favored him lots. He got here with us three or 4 instances and he stood out.”
He later went on mortgage to Linares, which helped him perceive the calls for of taking part in for Barcelona.
His performances in pre-season have been excellent, incomes him a well-deserved place within the squad. Fermin’s versatility and work ethic make him a beneficial asset for the staff.
“In pre-season final yr, he stood out lots once more as a result of Fermín does a number of issues effectively. He’s an incredible boy and in pre-season, he earned his place.”
Appreciating Xavi
Alegre additionally shared his ideas on Xavi’s contributions to Barcelona. He believes that Xavi’s tenure as head coach must be appreciated, given the challenges he confronted upon taking on.
Alegre has urged for extra respect in the direction of Xavi (Photograph by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP through Getty Photos)
“We really feel concerned in Barcelona’s present scenario and their fashion of play. They play at a excessive stage and aspire to win each title. I really feel dangerous when Xavi’s work is typically criticized in comparison with the present coach.”
Alegre finds it unfair when comparisons are made between Xavi and the present coach, as every part is a part of an ongoing course of.
“I don’t suppose it’s essential to assault the earlier coach to reinforce the worth of the present one. I believe every little thing is a steady course of.”
Trying again, Alegre stays glad with the work they achieved and is completely happy to see the membership transferring in a optimistic path.
His time alongside Xavi was full of challenges, but additionally with achievements that proceed to form Barcelona’s future.
“We should admire the time Xavi took over as coach of the staff. It wasn’t simple accepting to teach that staff, then titles have been received and alternatives got to gamers who at the moment are regulars within the staff.
“We really feel a part of that course of and are completely happy that issues are going effectively. We took dangers and selections, and we really feel concerned on this second,” he famous.
