World NewsCruyff Unveiled As Catalonia Coach |
Johan Cruyff was today unveiled as the new coach of Catalonia and has set his sights on turning them into a competitive team.
The appointment of former Holland forward Cruyff continues his long association with Catalonia and Barcelona in particular.The 62-year-old also coached Barca - leading them to four Primera Division titles and their first European Cup in 1992 - and has advised current president Joan Laporta.
"Our style of play will depend, logically, on the quality of the players we have," Cruyff said at his unveiling.
"We'll try and play attractive football. I want to play the best in the world. I want to build a competitive team."
He added: "A really good team can be built. The youth football of both Barcelona and Espanyol is very good."
Barcelona confirmed on their official website that Catalan FA technical director Xavi Torres had been given assurances by his opposite number at the Nou Camp, Txiki Begiristain, that Barca players would be available for selection for Catalonia whenever the club's commitments allowed.
Catalonia, a region in north-east Spain, play international friendlies against national teams but are not recognised by world governing body FIFA.
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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