Valverde: The academy's priority is to develop players, not win titles

  /  autty

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde spoke to the press on Friday ahead of Saturday's game against Levante in La Liga. 

During the news conference, he spoke about Barca U19's participation in the UEFA Youth League -- they meet Chelsea in the semifinal on Friday. 

Valverde said winning the trophy for a second successive season would be nice but said the academy has a different purpose. 

"The academy's titles are nice, last year they won the UEFA Youth League, too, but we have to view it more as another step forward in their development," the coach said. 

"The success of the academy is not just based on winning, but on development. We have to look at it as another step in these kids' careers. Knowing what it's worth to win titles etc etc."  

"Yes, they can learn from these games, but the important thing is that good players are produced, that they learn what it demands to be in the first team.

"So it's not about accumlating titles, but forming competitive players. If they win, even better, of course, but we can't lose sight of the priorities at that age."  

Related: Barcelona Ernesto Valverde
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