Abu Dhabi: New Bani Yas coach Luis Garcia made developing youth a priority at his unveiling on Monday.
Garcia, 41, handed Al Jazira’s Moroccan midfielder Abdul Aziz Barrada a breakthrough at his former club Getafe in Spain’s La Liga.
He now plans to do the same with young players at Bani Yas, where he has replaced Iraqi coach Adnan Hamad.
“It was not only Barrada but a few others too,” said Garcia. “But that would be the job of any coach, if talent is spotted, they need to be given the break whenever the opportunity comes.
“At Bani Yas I would be interested in watching the reserve team and the age-group players in the club. If they are spotted, they need to be provided with the opportunity to play.”
The former coach of Spanish sides Levante, Benidorm, Elche, Villareal B, Altea and Villajoyosa said success at his new club would take time.
“My aim is to realise something during this season. I have a lot of goals but I cannot promise anything because I don’t have a magic stick. We have to be optimistic and work not only with the first team, but also focus on the academy too, because that gives benefits to the first team in the future.”
Garcia revealed that he had been swayed by other offers but opted for Bani Yas, who finished a disappointing ninth in the Arabian Gulf League last season.
“Twenty four hours before signing with Bani Yas there was a serious offer from Spain, but I chose to take a new experience.
“I am always interested in new ideas and want to know about football in different cultures and countries. That’s why I took the challenge to come here, and my aim is to learn about the players and the way they play. Then I want to use what I know and share what I have experienced at other clubs and put that in Bani Yas.”
