Conte praises FC Barcelona academy and reveals desire to visit

Italian Antonio Conte, the former manager of SSC Napoli and currently active in coaching, has expressed his admiration for the work that FC Barcelona is doing in their youth sector, praising their ability to promote young talents and integrate them seamlessly into the first team. He also expressed his desire to visit the "La Masia" academy to closely observe their working methods.

Antonio Conte, in an extensive interview with The Athletic, said: "They are doing an exceptional job. When you see these players from La Masia integrating naturally at the age of 18 with a team like FC Barcelona, in front of 100,000 spectators, and playing football with such ease, you realize the amount of hard work that goes on behind the scenes in the youth sector, and how well it harmonizes with the coach."

The Italian coach added: "I would very much like to visit their academy, as they have a clear and defined structure, perfectly aligned with the first team," citing the experience of young defender Xavi Espasart, who caught his attention while watching one of FC Barcelona's matches this season.

Conte explained that he was surprised by Espartero's starting role despite limited appearances last season, noting that the player showed strong character during the match against Getafe and provided an assist, despite Anthony Gordon's movements on the flank he occupied. Conte considered that this experience reflects the quality of the work that FC Barcelona is doing in preparing its young players and giving them the opportunity to shine at the highest levels.