From Guardiola’s staff to Europa League semi-finals: Carlos Vicens is the latest coaching success story | OneFootball

As the spotlight falls on the Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal this weekend - a meeting between Pep Guardiola and his former assistant Mikel Arteta - another member of the Spaniard’s coaching tree is quietly making his mark in Europe.

Carlos Vicens, once part of Guardiola’s backroom staff at Manchester City, has guided SC Braga to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League, confirming his emergence as one of the most promising young managers on the continent.

Braga secured their place in the last four with an impressive 4-2 win away to Real Betis, progressing 5-3 on aggregate after a 1-1 first-leg draw in Portugal. Vicens’ side will now face SC Freiburg for a place in the final - the club’s first appearance at this stage since losing the 2011 final to FC Porto.

Another Guardiola assistant making his own path

Vicens spent four seasons working under Guardiola at Manchester City, playing a key role in the coaching setup - particularly on set-piece preparation - and was part of the staff that helped deliver the club’s historic 2023 treble.

That same season, he worked alongside Enzo Maresca, another Guardiola assistant who has since enjoyed success of his own, winning the Championship with Leicester City before lifting both the Conference League and the Club World Cup with Chelsea.

Vicens’ rise now adds another name to a growing list of coaches shaped by Guardiola who have gone on to succeed in their own right - most notably Arsenal manager Arteta, currently leading City’s main title rivals in England.

Before Arteta and Vicens, Guardiola’s former assistant Tito Vilanova led Barcelona to the La Liga title after stepping into the top job at Camp Nou.

Now Vicens is showing similar promise in his first senior managerial role, having taken charge of Braga last summer and quickly imposing a recognisable playing identity inspired by his years in Manchester.

His side operate with an aggressive high press, structured build-up from the back and flexible attacking patterns - hallmarks of Guardiola’s influence - while also developing a reputation for creative set-piece routines.

A first European trophy within reach

The Europa League campaign already represents a major achievement in Vicens’ debut season in charge, but the opportunity now exists to make history.

Braga sit just behind Portugal’s traditional “big three” - FC Porto, Sporting CP and Benfica - domestically, while also reaching the Taça da Liga final earlier this season.

Victory over Freiburg would send them into a European final where an English opponent could await, with either Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa potential opponents.

And as Guardiola prepares to face another former assistant in Arteta this weekend, the success of Carlos Vicens in Europe is further evidence that his coaching influence continues to shape the next generation of elite managers across the continent.