FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.06.2010 13:26

Unzué, new coach of Numancia

Miquel Agut

After nine seasons at FC Barcelona, two as a player and seven as the goalkeepers coach, Juan Carlos Unzué is leaving the club to become manager of Numancia in Soria.

The Navarran has terminated his contract with Barça by mutual agreement in order for him to debut as head coach of Numancia, who will be playing in Division 2A next season.

He’ll never forget Barça

Speaking to Barça TV and after saying farewell to his fellow employees, Unzué expressed his gratitude to "president Joan Laporta for trusting me from the very first day and to Txiki Begiristain, who was the man who suggested me as a signing". He then had words for Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola "because they have been great teachers and can feel a bit responsible for everything that has happened to me as a manager, and especially the good things" and also Víctor Valdés, the goalkeeper he has been working with for the last seven years.

New challenge at Numancia

Although he is sad to be leaving Barça, Unzué is excited about the prospect of managing his own side. It is something he has wanted to do for some time and he is grateful to Numancia for giving him this chance. He claims to feel “as excited as I felt on the first day I started work at Barcelona ".

Txiki Begiristain told Barça TV that he has a bittersweet feeling about the loss. "I am sorry he is going because he is a good friend, but I’m happy because I’m sure he’ll do a good job. He is a true professional and puts a lot of time into his work because it’s his passion".