Former Barcelona Atletic manager predicts big future for ‘phenomenal’ La Masia gem at Barcelona | OneFootball

Former Barcelona Atletic manager Albert Sanchez had a torrid time as the manager of the reserve team last season, seeing them drop from the third to the fourth division of Spanish football.

It was a season filled with uncertainty for the talented group of players. The circumstances were far from ideal, with Rafael Marquez leaving them just one day before pre-season and Sanchez having to hit the ground running.

The Euros 2024 and injuries meant a number of the reserve team players were called up by Hansi Flick to the first team, which meant they were not available for the reserve team pre-season. It was just one of those years for the reserve team.

Sanchez was subsequently sacked as Barcelona Atletic’s manager, but he continued to be associated with the club before announcing a few days ago that he was leaving them. A Ligue 2 move is now waiting for the Spaniard.

Sanchez labels Jofre Torrents as a ‘phenomenal’ player

Photo Courtesy: The official website of FC Barcelona

In a recent interview with SPORT, Sanchez was asked if he had any reserve team players in mind who he thinks would be important for Barcelona. He picked the name of Jofre Torrents, labeling him as a ‘phenomenal’ player, and here is what he had to say:

“It might surprise you because I never coached him at Barça Atlètic, but I’ll say this: I believe Jofre Torrents will be Barcelona’s left-back.

Of course, I haven’t forgotten Balde — he’s excellent — but I think Jofre Torrents is a phenomenal player. In all my years at the club, he’s one of the players who impressed me most. I truly believe he will succeed at Barça.”

Jofre impressing for Barcelona during the Asian pre-season tour

Jofre has been on the pre-season tour to Asia with the rest of the first-team and has played as the backup to Alejandro Balde. The Spaniard has caught the eye with his stylistic fit, looking much more comfortable than Gerard Martin, and has reportedly impressed Hansi Flick as well.

Although Sanchez never coached him with the reserve team, he has spoken very highly of him. Based on the initial signs, it almost feels inevitable that he will keep improving and provide competition to Balde in the coming years.

It remains to be seen whether Flick will promote Jofre to the first team as Balde’s backup for the season or if he will continue to trust Gerard Martin.