In a recent interview with Qatari website Doha Stadium Plus, Rosell began by discussing his own career and position with the club before running the gauntlet on a number of topics and rumours surrounding the club.
“It’s particularly satisfying to see that now we are reaping the rewards of 30 years’ work at La Masia. We had to be very passionate and patient, but it was worth it because the results can be seen in the form of Xavi, Puyol, Iniesta, Messi, Valdés, Piqué, Busquets… That’s the beautiful story of Barcelona. Someone started off the good work and we are reaping the rewards.
“I started off as a ball boy. It was the era of Johan Cruyff, one of my role models. I was 10 years of age and as a ball boy I was very nervous. When I told my classmates they were so excited. Chocolates and a slice of cake was normally what I was paid, but I would have done it for free.”
The 49-year-old gushed over the youth system that has produced some of the top players in Europe and continues to churn out a surplus of elite talent.
“We are very proud of it. If you look at this season it’s something historic: there are 17 homegrown players from a group of 25. That’s something that makes us very happy and proud; investing in our own players and their development. That’s exactly what our members wanted.”
Rosell went on to discuss the three managerial changes over the past three seasons, starting with why he feels Pep Guardiola left, to Tito Vilanova and current manager, Tata Martino.
“You have to ask [Cuardiola] why he left Barcelona. He was, by some distance, the best trainer the club has ever seen. For me it is going to be difficult bettering what he did for the club. The doors at Barcelona will always be open to him.”
“[Vilanova] was part of the technical staff. The fact he was named coach was something normal and logical. It was a surprise for everyone else but I would do the same again, insidespanishfootball.com informs.
