Exclusive: Ex-La Masia Trainer Pau Moral Reflects on Coaching Lamine Yamal and Fellow Barcelona Stars

How did you end up joining the Al Rayyan academy?

"After nearly seven years at Barca, I received a call from Albert Valentin, who used to be the technical director for Barca's senior squad. He contacted me several times to discuss the ambitious plans they had for Qatar.

"I was content at Barca and had even begun negotiations for a contract extension. It was a tough decision, but he persuaded me by detailing a vision that has since come to fruition. The opportunity was enticing, especially with the World Cup on the horizon, and after all those years at Barca, I craved an international adventure, so I made the move."

I gather that regarding funding, infrastructure, and overall setup, Al Rayyan holds its own against top European sides like Barcelona.

"Absolutely, as you are aware, La Masia at Barca boasts an impressive sports complex with training resources that are quite exceptional by Spanish or European standards. However, at Al Rayyan, everything is scaled up significantly, perhaps fivefold.

"To give you an idea, for teams from U13 to U19, which leads into the senior side, we have ten pristine natural grass fields without a single imperfection, all in top condition. There are dedicated gyms for the U17 and U19 groups, complete with spa areas, ice baths for post-match recovery, GPS tracking, and essentially every professional tool available in Europe. They have invested heavily and are fully committed."

So, you do not long for Barca at all?

"Barca will always be home to me; I am deeply thankful for my time there. I still keep in touch with coaching colleagues and even some players. Just this week, I spoke with Xavi Espart, who recently broke into the first team, and I had the privilege of guiding him through some memorable moments.

"Chatting with them and witnessing their progress makes me think, 'Wow, I do miss that.' The recollections are fond ones. It is a pleasant sort of nostalgia, as I am thriving here too, to be honest.

"I departed Barca on excellent terms, with cherished memories and strong bonds with the coaching staff. For instance, I share a close friendship with Marc Serra, Barca's coordinator. We meet up in the summer for meals and updates.

"Thus, I miss them, yet I now appreciate their achievements differently, tuning into their matches on television and celebrating their senior debuts. It remains a joy."

What are your fondest takeaways from your Barca tenure?

"Sporting wise, I am proud of securing three LaLiga Promises titles across four tournaments. The final one was particularly special, as I sensed it might be my last there, and we triumphed.

"The various tournament victories and league successes stand out. Yet, what I value most is maintaining connections with the players even from afar. Seeing them succeed brings immense pride for any coach, whose aim is to nurture their path to the top. That fulfillment is truly rewarding.

"Moreover, for those who did not remain at Barca, as football offers vast opportunities, I stay linked with them too. Some compete abroad or in top divisions elsewhere. Ultimately, these outcomes provide great satisfaction from our shared efforts.

"Naturally, I hold dear the personal bonds and watching them mature both on and off the pitch at Barca."

You highlighted Xavi Espart, whom many predict will soon secure a first team spot. Did you foresee this, and how did he develop?

"I have discussed this often with others, but I avoid claiming credit, as it is entirely the player's achievement. With Xavi, though, we shared a strong rapport and understanding. He featured prominently under me, enhancing our play significantly. He grasped the game intuitively and displayed maturity beyond his years. I viewed him as having substantial potential. During my time with the youth side, he progressed well, though he faced a few phases where his form dipped before his current surge.

"Ultimately, his success stems from mental resilience, which I see as exceptional. He adapted to a new role, shifting from central midfield. He always seemed a cut above. Thus, his breakthrough does not astonish me. He has toiled diligently to earn it.

In those periods, he ranked in the second tier, with talents like Lamine Yamal and Marc Bernal in the top group. Yet, he persisted, building steadily, and capitalised on chances through skill and effort."

Upon your arrival at La Masia, two young prospects, Marc Bernal and Lamine Yamal, also joined. Did you anticipate their remarkable breakthroughs from the start?

"Truthfully, with Lamine, certainty is impossible, but I harboured few reservations. Over my years at La Masia, he ranks among the most distinctive talents I encountered. He constantly amazed, standing out uniquely.

"His current feats at first team level as a youth player mirror what he achieved against peers his age. He operates ahead of the curve. As a naturally gifted individual, one cannot predict with absolute assurance, but instincts point that way. Lamine was extraordinary, and such rarities often grace Barca.

"Still, he has laboured tirelessly since boyhood and seized his moments. Competitively and technically, he excels. His present accomplishments echo his early promise.

"Bernal follows a similar vein, offering strong midfield presence. He did not shine as brightly as Lamine, who is unparalleled, but he delivered consistently, competing fiercely and proving vital throughout stages. He always carried a solid reputation in the youth ranks."

Ansu Fati was among the earliest recent young debutants. How do you account for his path, hindered by injuries? What was he like in the academy?

"Ansu resembles Lamine in that regard. Prior to Lamine, similar sentiments surrounded Ansu. I recall discussions with long-time coaches praising him as exceptional and outstanding. Watching his games, he excelled a year above, netting goals prolifically with evident talent.

"Football demands alignment of many elements for peak success, and Ansu has faced misfortune with injuries. This has undeniably impeded him, which is regrettable, given his clear ability to thrive at Barca. Fate has not favoured him.

"From recent observations, he appears settled at Monaco. He remains youthful. Recall that figures like Xavi and Andres Iniesta peaked later, around 26 to 28, before their legendary outputs.

"Time will tell for Ansu, but he was, like Lamine, one of those magically endowed players, a standout from tender ages."

You referenced Gavi. Did he always possess that fierce personality and drive?

"Indeed, Gavi is remarkable. From day one, he exuded uniqueness with his intense mindset and spirit.

"We cherish a story from a derby against Espanyol: he headed in a goal, taking a hit that broke his nose and chipped a tooth, yet he powered through. He exited by ambulance for surgery, returned after months, and in the Burriana final versus his former side Betis, another aerial ball came, and he fearlessly headed home again. We thought few would risk that post-recovery.

"As a youngster, Gavi committed fully. He is an ultimate competitor, but beyond grit, he boasts pure skill, ball mastery, and elite quality.

"Like others, upon arrival, we noted, 'He is exceptionally talented.'

"Regarding his injury recovery, I am confident he will excel, having trained relentlessly."

Thus, do you envision him playing a key role this season and beyond, despite knee issues?

"Yes, I believe he holds vital importance for Barca. He already proved that at a tender age, though now faces stiff rivalry from quality midfielders.

"This competition will elevate them all, fostering growth amid battles for playing time in a stellar lineup featuring Fermin Lopez, Bernal, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and more.

"Gavi's competitiveness and talent, combined with his youth, ensure success. He embodies Barca's spirit and is determined to stay, so I anticipate seeing him feature extensively."

You noted Fermin Lopez, who joined in 2016/17. What was his initial impression?

"I did not personally recruit him, but we placed great faith in him. He was incredibly warm and engaging, always saying, 'Hello, Pau, how are things?' He bonded easily, displayed affection towards peers, integrated seamlessly, and possessed undeniable talent.

"At first, he struggled physically, being slight in build and lacking strength. Yet, whenever he contacted the ball, magic ensued, captivating onlookers.

The club backed his potential, leading to his signing from Betis. As expected, physicality evens out over time, yielding another star.

"Human wise, I remember him as perpetually cheerful, greeting all despite distance from family. He struck me as genuinely delightful."

Is there any player you guided who exceeded expectations, perhaps advancing quicker than anticipated within the setup?

"Honestly, they all astonish me.

"Observing Gavi now, or Arnau Martinez at Girona, Gabri at Braga, it is startling how these young ones compete at senior levels for seasons. Take Arnau at Girona in the top flight for years, while I recall Xavi and Iniesta debuting much later.

"Seeing Bernal, Lamine, and Xavi Espart perform at such youth fills me with awe. How do they deliver so maturely?

"No single standout surprises me; it is the collective. Their rapid rises and contributions seem almost unbelievable."