Unexpected change on the bench of Barça’s second team
The Blaugrana team faces a surprising situation that no one saw coming. Despite President Joan Laporta’s efforts to retain him, a key figure is leaving ship. Barça Atlètic, which came close to being promoted to the Second Division last season, returns to training without one of its fundamental pillars in the last two years.
Rafa Márquez and his new destiny in the Mexican football federation
In a move that few expected, Rafa Márquez will leave his position as coach of Barça Atlètic. He has decided to accept an offer from the Mexican Football Federation to become Javier Aguirre’s assistant on the national team. Aguirre, whose contract with Mallorca ended on June 30, will be Mexico’s coach until 2026. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club will officially announce Márquez’s departure this Sunday. Márquez says goodbye to Barça Atlètic after two successful seasons at the helm of the team.
Long-term future in the Mexican team
Mexican media indicate that the Mexican Federation plans to offer Rafa Márquez the position of coach once Javier Aguirre’s third stage concludes in 2026. This decision by Márquez comes shortly after having renewed his contract with Barça Atlètic until 2025, which is surprising even more within the Catalan club.
Juliano Belleti: the main candidate to take over
Although Barça Atlètic returns to training on Monday, they will do so provisionally without a coach. The sudden departure of Rafa Márquez left the sports management in a complicated situation, forcing it to find a replacement quickly. Juliano Belleti, who was Márquez’s assistant last season and was preparing to take the reins of Juvenil A, is now running as the favorite to lead Barça Atlètic. This seems to be the logical step to fill the unexpected vacancy.
A more than definitive farewell
Rafa Márquez’s decision seems final and without conflicts regarding the termination of his contract. Thus, the Mexican coach will leave the club after two successful years at the helm of the Blaugrana subsidiary. With this change, Juliano Belleti will be the one to take the reins, opening a new era for Barça Atlètic.