Bojan Krkic: The Barcelona wonderkid guiding the next generation at La Masia
Bojan Krkic experienced many of the highs and lows that football has to offer – from being hyped as the next big thing to suffering serious injuries, which hindered hopes of hitting the heights he might be able to hit.
But the former Barcelona miracle is now using all this experience to help guide the next generation of stars in preparation for the good times and the bad times.
He returned to his role as a football coordinator in Barcelona, and his career began with his main focus on surveillance of the club’s famous La Masia youth – the youth academy he experienced.
Bojan told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Euro League podcast: “I was 34 and I could still play, but sometimes you have to decide what you have to make, and I decided to stop playing football and start a new life in football.
“Now, there’s a lot to do in this big club, coordinate all the young players who are training with us, evaluate these young players, see when you can train with us, and when you have some struggles – injured or anything else – chat with them.”
In many ways, Bojan is the ideal candidate for aspiring football players to seek guidance.
Once called “The Next Lionel Messi”, and while there are many honors to be compared to the greatest of football, its record label also carries great expectations.
After scoring 900 goals for Barcelona youth team, he made his debut in the 17-year-old and 19-day game, breaking a record set by Messi.
In his first season in senior football, he continued to score an impressive 12 goals in 48 games, and his performance further strengthened his comparison with the Argentine star.
But for Bojan, he doesn’t want to be the next Messi – only Bojan.
He added: “I know what kind of player I am.”
“I know the good stuff I have, the things I have to do. I know I’m not Messi or anyone, I’m bojan.
“But it’s hard to meet that expectation when people ask you to reach this level.
“It’s hard to find a way.”
