Balliu: Barcelona don't prepare you to play for a Celta Vigo or a Metz

Ivan Balliu knows FC Barcelona very well. The Metz player came through La Masia but after a life spent in Blaugrana, he decided to try his luck away from Catalonia. 

His first move was to Portuguese side Arouca and then in 2015 he move to Metz, who currently play in France's top flight. In an interview with L'Equipe, Bailliu spoke about the development of players at La Masia and the values they're taught. 

"At Barça they prepare you with the first team in mind, not to be a player for Metz or Celta Vigo one day (...) They teach you so that you can be the next Messi, Xavi or Sergi Roberto," he said. 

Without any doubt, Bailliu feels that adapting to styles other than the one practiced at Barcelona from a young age is the biggest challenge for anyone leaving the club. 

"At Barça you only think in a very certain way, but there's no other team that plays like Barça," he added. 

And on the demands of coming through the academy at the club, he said: "It can be really hard to motivate yourself. You are always obliged to give more. You can win a game 7-0 and you're told you've not played well."