Laporta 'reshuffles Barcelona's famed La Masia staff with Marquez brought in'

Joan Laporta has reshuffled the academy staff at Barcelona's famed La Masia as the returning president looks to replicate his previous success in promoting youth into the senior team.

Former president Josep Bartomeu placed little significance on youth development during his tenure in Catalonia, with the 58-year-old preferring to splash the cash on big name signings.

However, forging a pathway from the youth set up to Ronald Koeman's first team squad is back on the agenda under Laporta, who won last month's election by a landslide, and he has already made moves to bring in old faces.

According to Marca, former Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez is set to join the club in a coaching capacity.

The Mexican reportedly has an excellent relationship with Laporta, who personally contacted Marquez over the role.

Sergi Barjuan, who spent nine years at the Nou Camp, has also been handed a coaching gig with the academy.

Laporta's first spell as president was characterised by the promotion of youth players into the first team, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Thiago Alcantara all coming through under his watch.

The 58-year-old also hired the then-inexperienced and untested Pep Guardiola as manager in 2008, having been inspired by the current Man City boss' exploits with the B team.

Bartomeu had attempted to change the structure of the La Masia academy during his tenure, bringing in Partick Kluivert and Victor Valdes. However, the pair clashed and both ended up leaving the club.

Other Barcelona legends have gone onto make their first steps in burgeoning managerial careers, with Xavi impressing at Al Sadd. The former midfielder had been linked with the Barca job before Ronald Koeman was appointed.

Mikel Arteta also came through the club's famed academy before moving onto PSG as a youngster, and now manages Arsenal. Meanwhile, Thierry Henry has had mixed success during spells at Montreal CF and Monaco.

Garcia Pimienta currently coaches Barcelona B, and is the longest-serving coach at La Masia, having joined the set up in 2001.