Jesús Velasco will conclude his tenure at Barça on June 30. The Toledo coach has opted to reject Barça’s renewal offer and is now vying to become the next coach for Spain. Jordi Torras, the culé Team Manager, had set a deadline of January 31 for an agreement. He already senses that his coach is distancing himself from Barcelona and moving closer to Las Rozas. As a result, a contingency plan has been activated to secure a reliable replacement.
While Luis Rubiales remains as president, José Miguel Monje, the person in charge of the National Futsal Committee from Murcia, initiated discussions with Jesús Velasco in early 2023.
There was complete understanding to reach an agreement. However, the controversial departure of the former president in September put the operation on hold, leading the Toledo coach to reconsider his continuity in December. Now, the president of the management company, Pedro Rocha, has given the green light to reactivate the signing of the Barça coach as a future national team coach.
Despite his contentment in Barcelona, Jesús Velasco’s primary objective is to return to Madrid, establish himself, and lead Spain. Those who know him best say, “It would be the culmination of his career.” Velasco will encounter several obstacles in securing the national team bench, including the return of Fede Vidal, who has a contract until December 30. The Jerez coach, back after a 5-month medical leave, is solely focused on leading the National Team in the Uzbekistan World Cup. The Barça coach would not have sufficient time to prepare for the World Cup event.
Velasco will not only have to await the outcome of the World Championship (scheduled from September 14 to October 6) but also monitor the electoral process of the RFEF. Which has numerous uncertainties and no clear date. Despite these challenges, his position remains steadfast. He does not want to tie his future to any contract and firmly believes he is the chosen coach, irrespective of the elected president. He is in no hurry, aims to be free, and will patiently await the unfolding of events. Not ruling out potential involvement in the federative structure in a role other than that of a coach this summer.
At 57 years old, Velasco boasts over 25 seasons of coaching experience but has never coached a national team.
His coaching journey includes successful stints in Italy, France, and Spain, where he has been named the best First Division coach six times. His impressive list of achievements includes leading teams like Prato, Luparense, Caja Segovia, Movistar Inter, and ACCS to victories. Securing 3 UEFA Futsal Champions League titles, 7 Leagues, 5 Super Cups, 4 Cups, and 2 Copas del Rey, among others. He stands as one of the most successful and renowned technicians globally.
Following the loss in the Spanish Super Cup against Jimbee Cartagena, the Barça coach is focused on upcoming challenges, including the Copa del Rey quarter-final tie against Servigroup Peñíscola on February 20, the Spanish Cup in Cartagena from March 21-24, the Champions League Final Four in Yerevan from May 2-5, and the quest to revalidate the League title, marking a brilliant culmination to his three-season spell on the Barcelona bench.
Despite the optimism in the Barça offices after the renewal of Brazilian Pito, Velasco’s refusal has not surprised anyone at the Palau.
Jordi Torras saw Jimbee Cartagena renew Duda on December 20, losing one of his favored options in the coach selection process. The list of candidates includes names familiar with the club, such as Xavi Closas (Santa Coloma Industries) and Albert Canillas (U21 coach), along with other options involving prestigious coaches, both with and without current contracts.
If it were up to president Joan Laporta, Javi Rodríguez would be the chosen one. The ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida coach was a viable option when Laporta became president in 2021. In fact, the former Barça player was part of Laporta’s candidacy in 2015. Nonetheless, Jordi Torras chose Jesús Velasco, convincing the board of directors to sign the Toledo native three seasons ago. Now, as ‘El Mito’ concludes his contract on June 30 with the ham club, he remains an icon for Barcelona futsal fans. His dream is to return to the Palau as a coach, and while Laporta sees it as a coup for the fans, the Palau offices do not share the same sentiment.