Xavi Roca - the ambitious Technical Director from Barcelona
AGONAsport brings you the lowdown on Xavi Roca and what he brings to Panathinaikos, following his appointment as the club’s new technical director.
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Following the confirmation of Xavi Roca joining Panathinaikos as technical director after much speculation, it is worth delving into what the Spaniard can offer the Greens as they enter the next chapter of their history, following the dismissal of Nikos Dabizas.
He was born in Barcelona and rose through the famed ‘La Masia’ Academy operating as a right back. While he did not have an illustrious playing career, he still managed a long one and it can be easily observed at his previous posts as a technical director - he has implemented the philosophies he has learned from a young age.
The 45-year-old is known to bring fresh ideas to his new club and is hungry to achieve results - his time at AEK Larnaca in Cyprus pays tribute to that. He lasted over four years and enjoyed success, despite operating on a smaller budget compared to APOEL. AEK Larnaca rapidly rose over a four-year period (2014-2018) and they got better each season, regularly contesting for the title.
The Spaniard knows the market well and his best moves in Cyprus were clearly opting for the right coaches. Both Thomas Christiansen and Imanol Idiakez took the team to a new level. His signings in the transfer market were also pivotal to the club’s success.
Roca signed players who were capable of fitting into his plan and their abilities were thoroughly assessed prior to them joining. As a result, the players’ respective values rose and the club was able to make money and become sustainable in the long-term (something vital to Panathinaikos due to the club’s current dire financial outlook). The mentality of each player was examined - this will also be key for the Trifylli as they do not boast the budget of their other rivals, so signing players in the right headspace who are able to buy into a long-term vision is necessary.
Since leaving AEK Larnaca, he returned to his native Spain to be close with his family in Barcelona. He received his fair share of criticism along the way but prior colleagues such as Christiansen cannot speak highly enough of him. The Dane stated that Roca’s best attribute is being “able to work within a low budget.” This fits in perfectly with his new role in Athens, so in that sense, the Greens have a man that is experienced.
Roca is an ambitious person and would not have taken the job at Panathinaikos if he did not fully believe he is capable of getting results. He will have his eyes wide open as always and is known to be keen on undertaking new ‘projects’. Once again, this is in line with the role at Panathinaikos since he will have to utilise a limited budget and think outside the box to get results. His knowledge of the transfer market will come to the fore, particularly as he looks for lesser-known players (typically from Spain, but also all over Europe) to build the club. He usually opts for experienced players and does not take age into account - he has signed numerous veterans in the past. This may not be a bad thing for Panathinaikos as they boast a relatively young squad that is thin on experience.
As previously mentioned, Roca likes to create a strong culture in the playing group and is known for being a gentleman, with a passion for his job and love for his family. The latter aspect will be key for the Trifylli as he looks to build a family environment. At AEK Larnaca he was given time and the freedom to impose his philosophies.
Furthermore, he has a clear way of playing football. This is a man with a plan and someone adamant on playing football in a certain way. He wants his teams to play on the front foot, with the need to keep possession at the top of his priorities. Keeping the ball on the ground is also a necessity, as is intricate passing. After all, he is from Barcelona and rose through the ranks at his boyhood club as a player.
