Barcelona set to welcome first treble winner as coaching staff
Victor Valdes is angling for a return to Barcelona
One of the shining stars in Pep Guardiola’s 2008/09 treble-winning squad was none other than La Masia graduate Victor Valdes. The Spaniard’s Barcelona career ended on a low 5 years later, but he is set to return to his boyhood club in a different capacity.
Valdes’ career took a downturn after he left Barça, as his stint in the Premier League with Manchester United did not work out. Ultimately, the legendary sweeper keeper retired at Middlesbrough after having a moderately successful final season.
Since his retirement, Valdes has coached Juvenil del Moratalaz, a youth side ironically affiliated to Real Madrid. But now, negotiations are on to bring the 37-year old former Spain international back to the Camp Nou as part of the coaching staff.
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Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has held talks with Valdes, and the club is very impressed with his record as head coach. Hence, Barça are looking to bring him back as Juvenil A head coach, the Under-19 side.
This would be a good move, especially since it would mean the involvement of the first player from Barça’s first treble-winning squad in the coaching staff. The appointment of Éric Abidal as technical secretary paved the way for that.
Now, Valdes’ return may be followed by those of Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. They recently undertook a coaching course together, and may form part of the club management sometime in the near future.
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The Juvenil A side forms an integral part of La Masia, and Victor Valdes’ mentoring can produce some great talents in the future.