Bartra begins coaching journey with Betis youth setup
The veteran Betis captain has joined the club's youth coaching staff as part of his training course, mentoring the U16A team while still playing for the first team.
Veteran Betis defender Marc Bartra is getting a head start on his post-playing career, joining the coaching staff of the club’s youth academy while still captaining the first team.
From pitch to touchline
The 35-year-old Catalan has begun working with Betis’ U16A team (Cadete A) as part of the practical requirements for his coaching qualification course. He joins a team that’s currently sitting pretty at the top of their group under head coach Antonio Benítez.
This isn’t just some casual kickabout with the kids, mind. Bartra’s joining a proper professional setup alongside:
- Alberto Rábano (assistant coach)
- Juanma Pérez (fitness coach)
- Baldo López (goalkeeping coach)
- Carlos Vega (analyst)
The news won’t shock those who’ve followed Bartra’s career closely. In an interview with MARCA four years back, when asked where he saw himself in 20 years, he replied that he’d still be in football “either as a sporting director or coach”. Seems like he’s made his choice!
Wealth of experience
Bartra brings a proper treasure chest of experience to these youngsters. The defender has racked up 481 official matches, 29 goals and 15 assists across his career at Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Betis, where he’s now in his eighth season.
For the Betis academy lads, having a current first-team captain with Champions League and international experience passing on knowledge is absolute dog’s dinner (that’s good, in case you’re wondering).
Balancing act
What makes this particularly interesting is that Bartra isn’t some has-been winding down his career - he’s still very much an active player and captain for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. This dual role will give the youngsters unique insights from someone still in the thick of top-flight action.
As Bartra celebrates his 35th birthday this Thursday, he’s clearly already planning for life after hanging up his boots - though that day doesn’t appear imminent just yet.