Former Barça Atletic coach beams with pride after Barcelona star’s debut goal | OneFootball

Marc Casado’s rise to prominence in Barcelona’s first team this season cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the influence of Hansi Flick.

However, an equally important figure in his development has been his former coach, Rafa Marquez, who played a key role in shaping Casado during their time together in Barcelona’s reserve team.

Marquez placed his full trust in the young midfielder, giving him a vital role in the squad. It was Marquez himself who strongly recommended the midfielder for a promotion to the senior team.

Now, despite being far from Barcelona, Marquez continues to closely follow Casado’s progress and remains fully aware of his capabilities.

Marquez’s pride

Casado recently reached a significant milestone by scoring his first goal with the senior team under Flick.

During his time with the reserve team, he never managed to find the back of the net. His breakthrough goal with the first team did not go unnoticed by his former coach, who still holds a strong connection with the player.

Following Casado’s goal, journalist Guillem Borras shared a post on social media highlighting the achievement.

He directly mentioned Marquez in the discussion and the Mexican coach responded, expressing immense pride in Casado’s moment. His response was particularly notable, as he does not frequently engage in such conversations online.

His reaction served as yet another reflection of the deep admiration he holds for the young talent.

To further emphasise his support, Marquez added an emoji featuring Barcelona’s colours, reinforcing his continued connection to the club and its players.

Marquez’s passion for Barcelona remains as strong as ever, no matter where he is. After spending two seasons managing the reserve team, his ultimate dream was to take charge of the first team.

When Xavi initially announced his departure, Marquez was even considered a potential successor.

Despite this, Marquez’s dedication to Barcelona and the club’s future stars remains unwavering, and his belief in Casado is a testament to his deep commitment to the club’s development.