FC Barcelona is setting the stage for a stronger upcoming season with strategic additions to their coaching staff. The names are Julio Tous and Raúl Martínez. These key hires are part of President Joan Laporta’s plan to enhance the team’s overall performance and conditioning.
Julio Tous: Master of Physical Training
Julio Tous, returning to Barcelona after an impressive stint with top European clubs and national teams under Antonio Conte, rejoins as the strength and conditioning coach. His previous tenure at Barça in 2004 was short but impactful, introducing innovative training methods that significantly reduced injury rates. After Barcelona, Tous enhanced his reputation with successful roles at Juventus. Afterwards, he had spells with the Italian national team, Chelsea, and Inter Milan. He won a Premier League title during his time at Chelsea.
Raúl Martínez: The Coordination Maestro
Raúl Martínez steps in as the new coordinator for physiotherapists and masseurs. With a rich history of working with Spanish international players, including during Spain’s victorious campaigns in the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, Martínez has already been deeply involved with Barça’s physio team since early 2024. Martínez worked closely with club legends like Carles Puyol and Andrés Iniesta. More recently, He worked with Ansu Fati and Pedri González. This made him a vital asset in managing player fitness and recovery.
A Unified Team Under Xavi
Despite rumors of potential changes, Xavi Hernández will maintain his current technical staff, including assistants Òscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre, and goalkeeper coach José Ramón de la Fuente. Xavi has expressed confidence in his team, emphasizing their deep-rooted connection to the club. However, the addition of Tous and Martínez is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the team’s physical preparation and injury management strategies.
Looking Ahead
As Barcelona prepares for next season, the integration of Julio Tous and Raúl Martínez into the coaching staff is seen as a critical move to boost the squad’s resilience and physical capabilities. With these strategic reinforcements, Barcelona aims to tackle the challenges of a demanding schedule, ensuring the team remains competitive on all fronts.
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