2024-11-27 17:22:00
Chen Yansheng, owner of Espanyol. / Quique García / EFE
Sergio knows this, and he has every right to stop by Dani Jarque to see how the youth sector of the club he has in his blood works. He knows it Manolo Gonzálezfor whom it is an honor that an illustrious person like Sergio visits his work area, even if as a professional in the sector I understand that it could get him in the balls. The players know that one day, when they finish training and head to the car park, they will run into Sergio. And the club’s leaders know it: Sergio’s figure, curriculum and DNA cannot go unnoticed.
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I won’t organize a world championship to see which of the two, Manolo or Sergio, has more parakeet DNA. What I believe is that the responsibility for the club’s drift, and therefore the team’s, is far from Manolo González. Never in another era have we suffered like this instability nor uncertainty about the category in which we will play next year. And the joke goes on too long.
But despite everything, I like that Sergio González is like this: it doesn’t matter when you read this sentence. And I would like Sergio to remain on the bench for many years, even if as a busy coach at Espanyol he in turn signs his death sentence and his compensation. Master Chen (knock knock: is anyone there?) adds 13 coaches in 8 years (Galca, Quique, Gallego, Rubi, Machín, Abelardo, Rufete, Moreno, Luis Blanco, Diego Martínez, Luis García, Ramis, Manolo González…) as well as six sports directors: Perarnau, Ángel Gómez, Lardín, Rufete, Catoira and Garagarza. Unstoppable bleeding.
But if we defeat the Celt we will put another plaster on this wound that will not stop bleeding. And this article, as Professor Luis Arribas Castro said, will be of no use.
How does Espanyol’s youth development strategy differ from that of larger clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert on Youth Development at Espanyol
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our interview today! We’re pleased to have with us a football expert who has closely followed the evolution of youth systems in major clubs across Europe. Today, we’ll focus on a fascinating visit from Sergio to the youth sector at Espanyol, owned by Chen Yansheng. Thank you for joining us!
Football Expert (FE): Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to discuss the grassroots levels of the game, especially when a renowned figure like Sergio takes an interest in them.
TNE: Absolutely! Sergio’s visit to Dani Jarque, the training ground for Espanyol’s youth divisions, seems to have generated some buzz. What do you think this signifies for the club and for youth development in general?
FE: Sergio’s visit is a symbolic gesture that highlights the importance of nurturing young talent within the club. It shows that even established professionals recognize the hard work being done at the grassroots level. This could inspire not only the young players but also the staff, validating their efforts in youth development.
TNE: You mentioned inspiration. How significant is it for young players to see established stars like Sergio engaging with their team?
FE: It’s incredibly important! Young players look up to figures like Sergio. His presence can motivate them and reinforce the idea that their hard work can ultimately lead to a professional career. It demystifies the process and shows them that the pathway from youth football to the top can be realistic.
TNE: Manolo González, who oversees the youth sector, feels honored by Sergio’s visit despite the pressures it might bring. What challenges might he face with such attention?
FE: Manolo is certainly in a challenging position. On one hand, increased visibility can bring more resources and support for the youth program; on the other, it raises expectations. The spotlight can put pressure on the youth coaches and players to perform. They will need to balance the excitement of recognition with the everyday demands of developing talent.
TNE: Speaking of development, Espanyol has a strong legacy in youth training. How does their approach compare with other clubs in Spain?
FE: Espanyol has historically produced some fantastic talent, but they often compete with larger clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid for attention and resources. However, their focus on local talent and integration into the first team has its own merits. Clubs like Espanyol often provide a more nurturing environment where young players can grow without the immense pressure found in more prominent academies.
TNE: What would you say is the most effective strategy for clubs like Espanyol in developing young players?
FE: A strong emphasis on personalized training, mental development, and real match experience is crucial. Clubs need to focus on not just the physical aspects of the game but also on developing the player’s mental resilience and tactical understanding. Creating opportunities for young players to compete regularly at higher levels is essential for their progression.
TNE: what future developments do you foresee for Espanyol’s youth sector following this visit and the growing interest in the club?
FE: I foresee that Espanyol could begin to attract more investment into their youth program. If they can showcase their talent effectively, it may lead to partnerships with larger organizations or even increased visibility on larger platforms. They already have a strong base; it’s about leveraging that to create broader opportunities for both players and the club.
TNE: Thank you so much for your insights! It’s clear that Espanyol’s youth sector has exciting potential, and we look forward to seeing how everything develops in the coming months.
FE: Thank you for having me! It will be interesting to follow Espanyol’s journey and the impact of figures like Sergio in shaping the future of their youth talent.