‘Blown me away’ – Former La Masia coach in awe of Barcelona breakthrough starlet

Tremendous light is shed on the jewels that emerge from Barcelona’s hive of talents, La Masia. However, minimal recognition is given to the coaches who diligently refine their abilities.

As a former academy coach, Franc Artiga mentored various prodigies in their youth, such as Ansu Fati, Dani Olmo, Xavi Simons, and Pau Cubarsi.

Now, in an interview with the EFE agency via MARCA, Artiga gave his two cents on the rise of youngsters in Barcelona, highlighting their strengths and the club’s culture.

Praise for Cubarsi

Making it clear that youngsters must not be overburdened at an exceptionally young age, Artiga stated:

“You can give the role of team leader to a 17-year-old kid. You shouldn’t, but you can. Of course, without the requirement of winning the league or the Champions League.”

Commending Pau Cubarsi, who has been a revelation in Barcelona’s back-line, the former La Masia coach remarked:

“I get excited when I see Curbasí play. It’s crazy. There are players like Lamine Yamal who, when they arrive at the club, already have the aura of great players. But since he is a centre-back, they go a little more unnoticed.”

Artiga highlighted how Cubarsi is cut from a different cloth and that he remains hopeful that the youngster is not neglected after the slightest of mistakes.

“Cubarsi seems incredible to me, how he plays and how he competes. He has blown me away because I had not detected him,” he said.

“I hope we don’t get tired and at the slightest mistake, we kill him. I hope there is patience and they take care of him in the national team.”

Cubarsi is enjoying a brilliant breakthrough season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Emphasizing patience

The coach claimed he is proud of Barcelona’s commitment to nurturing young players, but recalled that not all players succeed at the club, providing examples of Ansu Fati, Nico Gonzalez, and Ilaix Moriba.

Artiga stated that Barça must not neglect their responsibilities to the youngsters, biding their time in the development process.

“It has been due to different circumstances for all three. But in all of them, it was because they were given a role that did not fit them because of their age.

“We know where we have to go when things are not going well. That is to La Masia (…), which always brings out players.

Faith in Fati

Fati is undergoing a difficult period at Brighton, having been excluded from the squad list in the club’s most recent match.

Artiga coached the youngster, though, and considers him to be an unstoppable force when he has continuity.

“He hasn’t had much luck with injuries, but I have no doubt that if he has continuity he is one of the top three players I have coached at the club. Nothing like Messi, but if anyone could lead this, it was Ansu,” he said.