Sharing the Barca way: Barca academy coach on training, talent, and the future of Bangladeshi football

As part of a five-day summer training camp in Bangladesh, Xavier Tarsa, a UEFA III-licensed technical coordinator from Barca Academy, led a series of training sessions designed to share the club's core methodology, values, and footballing philosophy. In this exclusive interview with The Business Standard, he discusses the objectives of the camp, how Bangladeshi players are responding, and the future of youth football in the country.

What is the main objective of this five-day training camp and what key skills are you focusing on with the players?
That's a really good question. We are happy to return here because of the great response we received previously—the enthusiasm from both players and families. Our main objective is to share our methodology and philosophy—our way of understanding football. Most importantly, we want to share our values: humility, effort, ambition, respect, and teamwork.

How are the participants responding to the training style you are introducing, especially considering your background with a Spanish club like Barcelona?
Sometimes it's difficult, because our methodology can be very different from what they're used to. But I think they are responding really well. They have to adapt and try something new—for example, in rondos, positional games, possession-based drills, and match situations. This is not a one-day process; it's a journey. But they are learning and trying, and I believe their potential will only grow as a result.

Are you tailoring your coaching methods to suit the local context, both in terms of player ability and playing conditions?
Yes, absolutely. In every country we visit, we adapt the methodology accordingly. But it's also important for us to maintain the essence of Barca's identity. We've seen many young players here in Bangladesh with passion, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to learn—and that's what matters most. Combined with talent, this creates real potential.

Now that you've mentioned the talent and potential of the players, do you see any standout individuals who could play at a higher level with the right development?
Yes, of course. The level here is high, and I understand that becoming a professional footballer is not easy. But we are looking for players who exhibit intelligence, creativity, and strong values both on and off the pitch. Our goal is to teach them how to understand the game, make good decisions, and contribute meaningfully to their team. If they follow this path, they'll certainly become better players.

How do you assess the overall technical and tactical level of youth footballers in Bangladesh compared to what you've seen in Spain?
It's different—because the football cultures are different. In Spain, players may be more familiar with our style of play, but that doesn't mean what's done here is wrong. As I said before, the level and potential are both high. We're very happy to share our methodology and contribute to the development of football in Bangladesh.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the development of football in Bangladesh right now?
That's a very important and complex question. Every country has its own challenges. In Bangladesh, for example, access to quality training, proper infrastructure, and long-term planning can be difficult. At Barca Academy, we aim to contribute by offering a structured methodology rooted in education—not just to develop footballers, but also to develop good human beings.

In your view, what should clubs or the federation prioritize to improve grassroots and youth football systems here?
Sport is one of the most powerful tools we have to help children grow—not just as players, but as people. Being connected to sport benefits society as a whole. If infrastructure and facilities are improved, the quality of practice will also improve, and as a result, both the performance and personal development of the players will rise.

What motivated you to come to Bangladesh and be a part of this initiative?
As I mentioned earlier, we were very happy with the amazing response during our previous visit. That motivated us to return. It aligns with our mission of sharing Barca's methodology with players around the world.

Do you believe there are cultural or mindset differences between players here and those in Spain or other parts of Europe?
For sure. Mindsets vary from country to country, and that's what makes us richer as individuals. Barca can facilitate growth in players from any background. We believe the impact of this camp goes beyond these five days. We aim to share our values and philosophy to help players grow both as footballers and as people.

Would you consider returning or getting involved in a longer-term project in Bangladesh if the opportunity arises?
Our goal is to build long-term relationships wherever possible. Of course, the feasibility depends on the local context. After the camp, we remain open to supporting local initiatives that align with our philosophy. For now, we're focused on making this summer camp a success and helping players enjoy our way of playing football. We're happy to support the development of football in Bangladesh and hope the passion for the game continues to grow.

Lastly, do you have any message for Bangladeshi football enthusiasts?
Thank you very much. We are truly happy to be here and want to make the most of this opportunity. Thanks for giving us a platform and voice. I hope we get to return and meet again in the future.