Gracia and Bargues attend gathering of coaches organised by FFCV

Javi Gracia and José Bargues from Valencia CF and VCF Femenino, respectively, participated in a talk with the coaches of Valencian football clubs in LaLiga and the Liga Iberdrola this Monday, organised by the FFCV federation for the region.

In their addresses to those present, the men and women's first team coaches talked about the importance of continuous training, their evolution in the dugout and how they adapt to the respective situations faced in different countries and cultures, as well as the value of data in modern football and the unprecedented situations they faced during the lockdown.

In one of the anecdotes told by Gracia, he revealed how he had shared breakfast with Villarreal coach Unai Emery in London before both returned to LaLiga. He also said that he looks at other sports, such as basketball, to see if there are lessons that can be adapted to football.

“Training is something that is ongoing; not only in football but in all areas of life," he told those in attendance.

"I have gone through every level of football and through leagues in different countries, and that training has helped me to try to help the players grow. Having that mentality of aspiring to improve and grow is important."

Another aspect that the Valencia CF coach values is “adaptating to situations as they change. Young people today are nothing like those of 20 years ago and it is a process of continuous adaptation. Coaches are like teachers, in that we are in an undervalued profession. Many families and many parents put our children in the hands of people we trust, and we have to live up to that responsibility."

“How much do you have to be yourself and how much do you have to adapt to the environment in a different country? Finding that balance is important. How much do you plan to stand firm on matters? The adventures I have had outside of Spain have helped me to grow."

VCF Femenino coach Bargues, whose team took victory in their opening game of the Liga Iberdrola this past weekend, said that "to improve, it is important that you are trained. Improvement is down to a number of disciplines that are linked to football, such as tactics, psychology, fitness... and how they are articulated. We are a tool for the footballer."

“I try to analyse everything, including myself. I get enough out of what I see to progress every day."