Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez admits he is ‘concerned’ by the departure of Director of Methodology Joan Vila Bosch from the club.
Vila played with Johan Cruyff at Barca before helping shape the careers of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta as a youth coach at the club, but the 64-year-old left the Camp Nou this summer.
“It is a concerning situation,” Xavi told Cataluyna Radio, as cited by El Mundo Deportivo.
“Joan has more been fundamental in understanding Barcelona’s positioning and tactics, I am very worried about him leaving the club.
“Barcelona has to make the most of having talents like these, people with such a deep understanding of the game.”
There have also been a glut of highly-rated players who have left the academy to join other top European clubs in recent years, and Xavi added: “It is always the decision of the player.
“They must have a desire to play for Barcelona and to understand what we are about, so we must know if they want to actually stay or return to us.
“Riqui Puig? I really like him, he is a great potential and you can see from the youth teams that he is incredible and deserves chances.
“I believe he will succeed at this club and become a future star.”
