Barcelona set to hire World Cup winning physiotherapist next season – report

Barcelona are set to make important changes ahead of the summer transfer window, after a chaotic day yesterday that saw a lot of speculation around Xavi and his future.

“Good morning everyone. I am pleased to announce that Xavi continues as coach of Barça’s first team. He made some statements that he had considered leaving, but yesterday he gave me the illusion of the project and the team.”

However, today Barcelona President Joan Laporta confirmed that the coach would continue for another season, at least, despite rumours yesterday suggesting that the club had asked him to change part of his coaching staff, but he had rejected.

One of the apparent requests made by the club was asking Xavi asking to change the physical trainer of the team, presumably because of the multiple injuries important players suffer.

While the current physiotherapist might not end up leaving, Barcelona are considering hiring another physical trainer.

2010 World Cup physio on radar

According to a report published by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are set to hire renowned physiotherapist Raul Martinez in the summer to lead the team physical preparation department.

Martinez worked with the Spanish National Team between 2008 and 2012, and was an integral part in the physical readiness across their winning run spanning two European Championships (2008, 2012), and the World Cup (2010).

The Spaniard has been working on a lot of Barcelona players individually since the start of 2024, including Pedri.

He also worked with David Villa, Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba, and Ansu Fati individually in the past.

Martinez’s will take up the Physical Therapy and Massage Cooridinator role at Barcelona next season.