18.07.2010 18:10

Guardiola shows faith in youngsters

Núria Barnils

The Barça B players called up to pres-season training with the first team squad under Pep Guardiola are all very excited about the challenge facing them and are determined to make the most of their chances.

For a number of the players this is the first time that they have worked under Guardiola and it’s clear that the boss is held in great esteem by the youngsters.

Step by step

For Sergi Roberto, this is the first time he’s trained with the first team and he’s determined to make the most this latest step in his career: “a year ago I was with the youth team, now I’m with Barça B and that’s just one step away from making it into the first team” .

Guardiola opening doors

The youngsters are well aware of the importance Guardiola gives them and Fontàs reckons: “since Guardiola arrived, the youngsters at the club are given many more chances . We all work hard and are excited at the prospect of making it into the first team. We know he values the youngsters”. Fontàs also believes that the young players would only have half the chance of breaking through with another manager at the club.

Last year

For some of the Barça B players, such as Marc Muniesa or Andreu Fontàs, this is their second year training with the big boys and Fontàs remembers last year’s trip to London: “it was like a dream. It’s good to see that we’ve got through another year and this time we are coming with more experience”.