La Masía

Rafael Marquez set to take the U19 job

Rafael Marquez during his playing days at FC Barcelona / John Walton / Getty Images

According to ESPN, former Barça player turned coach, Rafael Marquez, is set to be appointed as the coach of the Catalan club’s U19 team next season.

Per the report by ESPN, Marquez was in Barcelona on Tuesday to hold direct talks with the club about his appointment. He will replace Sergi Mila, who was appointed earlier this season. The club believes that Rafael has all the necessary qualities to coach a youth side.

The former Barça player was signed by Joan Laporta in his first spell as club president back in 2003. The former center-back was also backing Laporta for the presidential election earlier this year. The two have always maintained a good relationship, and now are set to work alongside each other professionally.

The better players from the U19 side are promoted to the B team. So, the club wants a personality like Marquez who can take forward the young players in the right direction. The Mexican has a good experience coaching young sides in Spain during his coaching days at Alcala de Madrid.

Per the same report, Marquez will start his new role at the club in August, once the announcement is made official.