RCD Espanyol unveils its new La21 academy structure, a revamped plan to develop young talent as the club sits on 0 points in La Liga. Since Marco Otero’s arrival in February, the club has restructured its youth system into four key departments: football, scouting, socio-educational support, and sports management.

What’s changing in the new model?

La21 is no longer just a training ground—it’s now a cross-departmental hub. Javi Chica leads football operations, overseeing training methods, individual development, and goalkeepers. Javi Márquez and Toni Velamazán retain their roles in Football 11 and Football 7, respectively.

Marc Pinyol heads scouting, coordinating the club’s network of talent spotters. Àlex Garcia manages socio-educational programs, including psychology (Jaume Sabater) and the academy residence (Ramon Guerrero). Xavi Díaz handles administration, from data analytics to HR and finances.

Why this overhaul now?

With 0 goals scored and 0 conceded this season, Espanyol is betting big on its youth. The new structure emphasizes both athletic and personal growth—mirroring the rise of players like Álex Calatrava, a product of La21. The goal isn’t just survival in La Liga; it’s building a sustainable pipeline.

Who leads each department?

- Javi Chica: Football (training, development, goalkeepers). - Marc Pinyol: Scouting (talent network). - Àlex Garcia: Socio-educational (youth welfare, psychology, residence). - Xavi Díaz: Operations (data, finance, HR).

What’s next for La21?

Espanyol’s push for a holistic model comes as the first team battles relegation. The academy’s focus on values and performance aims to bridge the gap between youth development and senior-team needs.

Current standing: 13th in La Liga, 0 points after the first half of the 2025/26 season.