He’s worked with Barcelona stars Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets, now former FC Barcelona Academy coach Andres Carrasco is bringing his expertise to the Western Sydney Wanderers.
The 37-year-old Spaniard is joining Tony Popovic’s coaching staff as the Asian champions start pre-season this week aiming to bounce back from a terrible A-League season in which they only just managed to avoid the wooden spoon.
Carrasco holds a UEFA Pro Licence and has more than a decade’s experience with the Catalan giants during which he worked with young talent up to Under-15 before becoming coordinator of the Football 7 department.
He’ll link up again with Wanderers recruit Andreu, a Barcelona youth product set to add pizzazz in the midfield.
Carrasco, who has also worked as an assistant coach at Georgian side Dinamo Tbilisi and had a stint on the coaching staff at Malaga, said he was looking forward to getting down to work.
“My goal in this new stage is to help the team to play in the way that all the fans can be proud of,” he said.
“Since I met Mr Tsatsimas and Mr Popovic, I could feel the great ability and dedication to the club.
“That passion is the example I take as a reference and will be my engine in every minute.”
Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said Carrasco’s coaching credentials would bring a rich level of experience to the club.
“Andres has a fantastic pedigree and has a proven track record in the development of players that was nurtured during his 15 years with the FC Barcelona Academy.”
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
From what I've read, Matt Spiranovic will earn more than any other Australian athlete who plays any club sport in Australia. Not bad for a bloke who is allegedly "a wasted talent". Interestingly the highest paid AFL player truly has wasted his talent playing for one of the most inept & poorly supported teams in the competition he plays. And, the highest RU player used to play RL & AFL. Makes you realise how little talent is out there competing for spots in egg ball sports. And with participation numbers dwindling, the shallow pool of talent will soon become a puddle.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
From memory, he was with a Bundesliga club as an 18 or 19 year old and was already showing great promise. His return to Australia didn't mark the making of him - it could only be viewed one way, and one way only.
AZ_RBB
Guest
He most certainly showed that he has the technical ability to play at a good level in Europe. But he didn't show that until he came to WSW. I think he's 27 now and not as attractive to European clubs but he is still very valuable to many Asian teams. He has the ability now to make some really good money but I do worry about his chances of maintaining a starting spot for the Socceroos. Wilkinson is playing for the best team in Korea and Sainsbury seems to be doing well in Europe and has youth on his side.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Juric getting ahead of himself....or his agent?
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Kom op AZ - Spira ended up being a wasted talent - he should have been good enough to forge a career in Europe.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I'll clutch my Spira jersey tight tonight and cry myself to sleep.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
What's up with young Juric???? Seems to be getting ahead of himself? 'Big head syndrome' maybe? http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/western-sydney-wanderers/western-sydney-wanderers-resume-training-as-matthew-spiranovic-looks-to-leave-and-tomi-juric-move-collapses-20150716-134sf3 "The Ekstraklasa side chaperoned the Socceroos striker to their recent Super Cup defeat against Lech Poznan and undertook negotiations over the past week but the club revealed that it could not meet his wage demands. It's the third move in six months that has collapsed for Juric, who was previously courted by Shanghai Shenhua and Belgian club Standard Liege."
144
Roar Guru
I believe a story has come up that he has had interest and some talks with Legia Warsa, Hull City talks seemed to have vanished but he needs to make the move to Europe Now or he's left it too late. WHen you look back on it, his offer from Juventus may have been unrealistic back then but it might have not been so bad if he went their did the same as Troisi maybe go out on loan once or twice then move to another well earned club in Europe so that he has cemented his chance there
Bondy
Hopefully this chap can do well on all fronts , I have great faith in Spanish guidance ...
Barto
Guest
Its mainly that a lot of teams have lost significant players to overseas and have yet to find replacements for them. I think we are still waiting on both of the Sydney clubs to announce some big name signings to replace the big name players lost.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
I don't understand this thinking. In the other major sporting competitions in AUS, what exciting recruiting is there? In the English football that I followed as recently as the 1990s, transfers were not a major part of the conversation. In fact it was rare to have any multiple transfers of big players into English clubs until the big money from PayTV & the formation of the Premier League.
Catnap
Guest
Very disappointed with all the recruiting this year so far in the Hal doesn't look to exiting for the up coming season!!!!
Kaks
Roar Guru
Any news on where Juric has ended up?
Franko
Guest
First Juric Then Golec and Mullen Now a Barca coach ... C'mon WSW
cm
Guest
:(
AZ_RBB
Guest
Spira might be on his way to the Chinese Super League. Big loss :(
oly
Guest
I love how people hear he spent time at Barcelona and think he'll be amazing.
ken
Guest
Hopefully a more attack minded Wanderers this season with Andres influence