Rafa Márquez was the manager of Barça Atlètic, the reserve team of FC Barcelona, last season. He oversaw the development of many players coming through the youth ranks, some of whom have become mainstays in Hansi Flick’s team.
The biggest success story of this season, and a largely unlikely one, has been the emergence of Marc Casadó. Unlike the other prodigies in La Masia who broke through at 16, 17, or 18, the former Barça Atlètic captain has had to remain patient.
Not quite ranked at the same level as some of his other peers, there were concerns over whether Casado would have a long-term future at the club. However, his fortunes changed with the emergence of Hansi Flick as Barcelona’s new head coach.
Flick decided not to sign a new pivot and chose not to renew the contract of club captain Sergi Roberto. Instead, he promoted Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó from the academy. Unfortunately, Bernal was ruled out for 12 months with an ACL injury, leaving Casadó to handle the heavy lifting.
To say that Casadó has been brilliant for Flick’s Barcelona would be an understatement. Hansi Flick waxed lyrical about him after his performance against Bayern Munich a couple of nights ago.
Following that game, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the 21-year-old expressed gratitude to his former coach, Rafa Márquez, for his contributions. Here’s what he had to say:
“If I am where I am today, it’s largely thanks to Rafa Márquez. He instilled confidence in me at all times and made me a better person and player, especially by showing me the importance of working off the field. I will be eternally grateful to him.”
Subsequently, Rafa Marquez has taken to social media via X (formerly Twitter) to react to Casado’s kind words. The Mexican said:
“As a coach, one of the things you value most is gratitude and helping players evolve. Casadó is a clear example of a professional player from head to toe! Bravo! Happy for his performance!”
They say that when you reach places of immense power or success in your career, you must not forget your roots. Casadó’s words for Márquez reflect his humble nature and his acknowledgment of the journey he undertook to get to where he is today.
Making the step up to the first team, Casado looks unfazed. He looks like he was born to play at this level and tailor-made to play in Hansi Flick’s system. The 21-year-old Barcelona midfielder’s stocks are only set to rise with every passing game and let’s hope he can put in a dominant display against Real Madrid this weekend.