Espanyol’s sporting director, Fran Garagarza, is on an ambitious journey to reshape the club’s future. Since coming on board in early 2023, he’s sparked a strategic vision to help deepen the team’s foundation. He’s passionate about nurturing homegrown talent. Prior to that, Garagarza had been the sporting director of Eibar. As we said, Hee-chan’s got useful experience after his spell in the Premier League with Wolves, where he was an important part of Julen Lopetegui’s rescue mission.
Garagarza considers that finding a coherent long-term plan is key to the club’s future development. He emphasizes the importance of creating a robust academy model that nurtures local talent and instills a sense of belonging within the club. His stated goal is for 50 percent of the first team to be formed of Catalan and academy home-grown players. He’s rolling up his sleeves to make sure he reaches that goal.
In a recent interview, Garagarza explained in clear and certain terms his devotion to the long-term prospects of Espanyol. He’s making the grand pronouncement that he wants less dependence on yearly player transfers, that he wants a more sustainable long-term approach. He tells the media he wants to cut down on the yearly necessity of bringing in ten new players through the door. This has been true in previous seasons.
“For me, the advantage has always been to have a clear idea of where you want to go and how you want to get there.” – Fran Garagarza
Per Garagarza’s ambition, it’s more than just a desire for short-term success. It includes a long-term strategic plan for the club’s future. Perhaps even more impressive is that his head is firmly aware that football is changing. He’s adamant about “thinking outside the daily” and has a clear, futuristic vision for Espanyol. This includes creating a C team to provide a higher base of players capable of transitioning to the first team, thereby bolstering the club’s youth structure.
“The creation of the C team will give us a higher base of players who can make the leap. It is about giving opportunities, having a first-team coach who believes in homegrown players and is brave – and he is.” – Fran Garagarza
Garagarza remembers what Espanyol was going through the last couple of seasons. Similarly, the club faced steep financial restrictions that made attracting new signings all but impossible, with the majority of incoming transfers being loan deals. Perhaps he’s most hopeful these days, referring to all the positive changes that have come since the city made good on its previous debts.
“Last year, we had big problems. It came from a previous debt that is now being cleared. We could not sign players. It had to be on loan. Now, the situation has improved.” – Fran Garagarza
He is convinced that Espanyol has more economic value and footballing heritage than any other club. His goal, leverage local heritage to bring in crowds, help develop a passionate local identity that echoes with supporters.
“We want to connect with our people.” – Fran Garagarza
Additionally, Garagarza addresses the shifting economic landscape in football, acknowledging that clubs are now facing economic limitations and must adapt accordingly. As he walks the tightrope of contemporary football management, he insists that Espanyol’s story is still in the telling.
“It is still a brand with value. A club with clear ideas, heritage, and, above all, an identity. That is something that is key to what we built and what we left behind.” – Fran Garagarza
With Garagarza’s strategic plan, the club has made a strong long-term commitment to establishing stability and growth for Espanyol. By focusing on local talent and reducing reliance on external signings, he aims to create a sustainable model that preserves the club’s identity while fostering success on the pitch.
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