FC Barcelona have taken the option of automatic renewal on the contract of the Club’s Sporting Director of Professional Football, Andoni Zubizarreta for a further two seasons until 30th June 2013.
The current contract stipulates that the contract renewal could be taken by the Club at any time
before June 15th 2011.
“A demanding, but rewarding challenge”
Following the news, Andoni Zubizarreta spoke to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona about
the new deal and expressed his satisfaction with the contract extension: “it’s not easy
to make a valuation of a new contract extension when it is for you yourself. I have been very lucky
to have been here since last July doing the job that Txiki did. I’m thrilled to be here and
happy with what the future holds, knowing that the challenge is demanding, but very
attractive”. As for the best and worst of the job so far, Zubi explained that “the
injuries, especially Abidal’s illness have been tough and the good times are just too many to
mention”.
“Remain competitive”
Zubi went on to explain what his job will involve over the next two seasons: “in
professional football, the aim has to be to remain competitive, stay loyal to our style and evolve
our way of playing, giving the professional teams all the resources they need. Next season we will
have the new Masia and with the facilities we have, (Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper), we have to be
capable of creating synergies together to help make the project grow”.
Happy with Bernabéu performance
Andoni Zubizarreta also commented on Saturday’s game in Madrid.:
“I’m very happy with the impression we gave because we stuck to our own style in a game
that was very tight and full of fouls. From the moment they went 0-1 down, Madrid needed to call on
all their history and tradition, but the draw leaves us closer to the title’.
As to Wednesday’s Cup Final. Zubi reckons: “ a final is a one off game and it all
comes down to little details. We have to be capable of creating situations so that those little
things happen. The two teams know each other well and whoever can keep to their game plan will have
the upper hand”.