Barça make changes as La Masia goes back to what worked best
Barça have removed the changes they made which classified players as professionals and amateurs
Barça made a strategic decision back in 2015 when it came to the organisation of their youth academy. A change was made years ago when Barça B and Juvenil A were separated from the rest but, since 2015, Juvenil B was added to that group and called "professional formative football" and from cadetes to benjamines they were classified as "amateur formative football".
This has now been recognised as a mistake. The structure divided youth football into two different worlds with different hierarchies of command and, in a way, opposite club visions. This is something unforgivable for a club which wants to unite the academy under one brand of identity.
After stringent analysis, the club has decided that it must return to its previous structure to produce a better future. Mestre's departure is further proof that people who supported this change have lost power and, under Bartomeu, the revert has begun to take place.
From next season, youth football will be unified under the same name again. From benjamines up to Barça B everything is considered the academy. There will only be a slight difference between Futbol 7 and Futbol 11.
Victor Valdes was originally seen as someone to undertake these changes but he wants to continue his development with the Juvenil A side. Denis Silva is one of the 20% of coaches who haven't made a decision on their future yet. All the others have been told they will be kept on. Garcia Pimienta has a year left on his deal with Barça B and, bar a late change, will see out his contract.
The incoming academy director is to have a general coordinator that will work underneath him. Alex Garcia, who at the moment is Valverde's analyst, has been linked with that role alongside Guillermo Amor. It remains to be seen what happens with José Mari Bakero now that Pep Segura has less influence on the academy teams.
Everything appears to be falling into place now. The plan is for all the youth levels to work in unison, learning the same methods and systems laid out by the main academy director.
THE METHODOLOGY AREA WILL RETURN
Paco Seirul-lo, the historic guide behind Barça's model, believes that alongside Joan Vila the methodology area to improve the tactical work must return. Vila left the club and whilst Seirul-lo remains on the books his role is very much a secondary one now. The new structure will look to recuperate that department into the learning process now that everyone will follow the same method and structure again. Seirul-lo is someone valued highly by those who want the essence of Barça's play to stay true to its previous values.
IMPROVE THEIR LOCAL 'SCOUTING' NETWORK
The club has detected that it's failed to reach its potential when it comes to scouting. The current network has become too focused on countries such as France and, as a result, is missing out on local talent. Spain's triumphant U21 side contained no Barça players. Pep Boada will continue overseeing this department which has suffered due to structural changes.
