The FCB Coaches Academy delves deep into coaching philosophy

The third week of classes at the FCBCoaches Academy began Monday with a speech called "Specific training for goalkeepers" by Ricard Segarra, head of the goalkeeping Department of Barça's youth academy. And it came on the heels of the previous week's impressive conferences, which were highlighted by a captivating speech entitled "Coaching and the tools of influence for coaches," by Xesco Espar, former coach of the Barça handball team that won the 2005 European Cup.

Here is an excerpt from what Espar said:

"Training has two sides: technical and emotional. I have discussed the emotional treatment that has to be given to information both when training and when addressing the group. Knowing how to manage a group of athletes is essential. Knowing how to convince them of the methodology and the systems to use, how to treat people, how to understand the player, how to connect with the player right away, how to lift morale after a defeat. I have explained the value of teamwork through my 30 years of experience working at Barça."

Xesco Espar is now a renowned personal coach serving executives, managers, business people and who offers sound advice to future coaches.

"The most important advice I give is that, in the most difficult moments, you always have to give the player the attention they deserve. Being part of Barça is the biggest thing there is, so if a player, for whatever reason, is going through a difficult time and is not motivated or is disoriented, you just have to get them to focus their attention on the positive things they have in their life, that they have the Club, and their career. This is the best advice," he said.