Celta de Vigo’s Commitment to Youth Development and Competitive Identity

omidbasir- Javi Rodríguez, Sergio Carreira, Manu Fernández, Iago Aspas, Fer López, Hugo Sotelo, and Hugo Álvarez are among the players who exemplify the strong sense of belonging in Celta de Vigo’s recent successes. This connection enhances the fans’ experience, transforming matches into contests not merely against formidable opponents, but with Celta supporters represented on the pitch by players who embody the club’s values.

To delve into the intricacies and current status of Celta’s youth academy, Marco Garcés, the club’s director of football, held a press meeting facilitated by LaLiga, with MARCA in attendance. Garcés discussed the importance of a cohesive playing style across all teams, from the first team under Giráldez to the youngest academy members, as well as the profitability of the academy. He highlighted several promising talents poised for significant breakthroughs.

Garcés views the academy as a key differentiator for Celta in a highly competitive landscape. “As a club, you must identify what you can excel at. Can we attract the best players in the market? That will be a challenge, given the financial power of other clubs. Are we capable of establishing a comprehensive scouting network? Probably not. Our strength lies in developing players, which is crucial for setting ourselves apart from other clubs,” he stated.

He emphasized the need for a defined playing style, noting that while tactical systems are adaptable, the fundamental style should remain consistent. “It is incredibly important. The specific formation is less crucial than adhering to a chosen style. All teams must play in the same manner. We typically utilize a 3-4-3 formation, which can shift to a 4-3-3 by adjusting the full-backs. Our approach focuses on building from the back, creating opportunities, and maintaining depth through wide players.”

When asked about the consequences for a coach who does not align with this style, Garcés acknowledged the complexity of the situation. “It’s a challenging question. Typically, a candidate will say what you want to hear during an interview, claiming they adhere to our style. However, the reality may differ once they arrive. We believe in upholding our principles, yet this is an ongoing discussion. Our goal is to find coaches in the top division who share our vision. Basic principles must be deeply rooted as they are fundamental to what our supporters wish to see. Fans in Vigo want to witness players who embody our style, whose game reflects artistry and flair. Anything less, regardless of outcomes, fails to meet their expectations.”

Moreover, Garcés pointed out a unique aspect of Celta’s player pool, noting that most come from the same region, having been fans before becoming players. “These individuals learned to appreciate a certain type of player they aspire to become. Having a coach disconnected from this identity would not be beneficial. It would hinder the team’s connection to the community and disrupt our ability to produce the types of players we want to see in the first team.”

In discussing the financial viability of the academy, Garcés reported that Celta allocates approximately four million euros to youth development, a cost that can be offset through the sale of homegrown players. “The advantage of selling an academy graduate is that they have no amortization or acquisition cost. The associated costs are relatively low, primarily involving solidarity and training, making most of it profit. Currently, we have a surplus following the sales of Gabri Veiga and Fer López, solidifying our academy’s sustainability for the foreseeable future,” he explained.

However, Garcés cautioned that such profitable sales are not always guaranteed. “People often overlook the fact that you must invest in an entire generation to produce a single player. You are not investing solely in that individual. Our goal is to develop two or three players per generation. For instance, in 2003, we saw several talents emerge, including Hugo Álvarez, Sotelo, and Javi Rodríguez, whereas 2004 only yielded Fer López, and 2005 had none. Yet, 2006 brought a wave of talent, and we believe the production line is now in full swing for 2007 and 2008.”

Garcés highlighted some names to watch for future promotions to the first team: “The most notable are Antañón, Burcio, Angelito, and Oscar Marcos. However, there are others like Gavian, Kibet, Sueiro, and Sobral who also show immense potential. The talent pool is substantial. Yet, I do worry that by naming these players, I might attract market interest or pressure to retain them. It’s a challenge for us to keep our top prospects.”

He also referenced Fer López as a case study in patience and development, noting that López faced physical growth challenges but eventually matured into a strong player. “Fer López’s journey is fascinating. Initially, he was smaller and struggled to grow. Once he found his footing at Rápido de Bouzas, his rapid development allowed him to catch up physically. Now, he embodies the type of football we aspire to. His story exemplifies the unpredictability of player development.”

Garcés praised the exceptional talent emerging from Spain’s youth systems, stating, “The current landscape in Spain is astonishing. If the national team were to miss the World Cup, the B team could likely contend for the title. Similarly, the U23 and U21 teams would also be strong contenders. The abundance of talent across the country is remarkable. As Celta, we compete against local teams like Val Miñor and Arosa, where we often find two or three exceptional players worthy of our consideration. The current talent pool is truly impressive.”

He also acknowledged the influence of established players like Iago Aspas and Borja Iglesias on younger talents, both in the first team and those in the pipeline. “The importance of homegrown stars becoming legends cannot be overstated. They serve as role models, demonstrating that success is achievable and within reach.”

Nonetheless, Garcés remains open to diversifying talent sources when necessary. “As a Mexican, I am the first to advocate for diversity, as it enriches our processes. Regardless of how well we perform domestically, diversity enhances our capabilities, whether from Asia, South America, or Africa. We are actively scouting in Uruguay, Colombia, and Argentina, though Brazil poses more challenges due to costs. Recently, we signed Vecino, a Uruguayan who had been in Italy, and we have welcomed several players who have enhanced our squad. Notably, many club legends are not Spanish, such as Karpin, Mostovoi, and Tucu.”

Celta de Vigo is firmly aware of the path ahead. Garcés, Giráldez, and the young players currently on the pitch and those approaching first-team status all understand that the club’s model is effective and well-received. The community of Vigo continues to take pride in this vision.