Josep grew up in Genoa Martinez and the interest of the big clubs is growing around him: the Spanish goalkeeper seems to have also ended up in the sights of Inter, looking for a deputy Sommer for next season, but above all for a goalkeeper to whom they can entrust the keys to the door for the future. In fact, it is no secret that in addition to Bento, the Nerazzurri management is also monitoring the Grifone player.
Exclusively for the editorial staff of The Interista Martinez’s agent, Sergio, intervened Barilato talk to us about his growth and his path, as well as his future.
Josep grew up in two of the best Canteras in Spain and beyond: Barcelona first and Las Palmas. Can you tell us about his beginnings?
“He started in a club of a people from Valencia called Alzira. When I brought him to Barcelona, the step was very important for the changes in training and routine that a footballer has. From all points of view: schedule, nutrition, work , physical exercises, everything that is important for a player. In Barcelona there was everything needed to do well.”
And at Las Palmas?
“Once he moved to Las Palmas he began to work with the goalkeeping coach Yepes, one of the best in all of Spain. This helped him a lot to grow until he made his debut in professional football. Leaving Barcelona was not a matter of level, but there were many goalkeepers and therefore a decision had to be made with the management.”
What did he tell you?
“The club offered us to continue at Barça, but there was no clear plan for him and we made a different decision, which paid off over time, to go to Las Palmas. An important decision that the player made after careful analysis and reflections. It says a lot about his personality and character.”
For the same reason did you choose Leipzig for the next step?
“After having had some good matches with Las Palmas and having played with Spain’s youth teams, the opportunity arrived to go to Red Bull, Leipzig. He had various options, but analyzing which could be the best for his future, we chose Leipzig. To complete the last part of his training. We had some meetings with the club, talking about its training and the goalkeeping coach, an important aspect in making this decision. He was lucky enough to have good international players in front of him and above all another good goalkeeping coach who helped him grow.”
And two years ago, what convinced him to choose Genoa and Italy?
“We spoke with the club, we thought he was already ready to be important and a starter in a club. In Leipzig it was impossible because there was Gulácsi, an internationally recognized goalkeeper. So we chose to change. When we made that decision, we had different options, but analyzing everything, the club, the project he had, the objectives, the pressure he would have had in Genoa, well, we understood that it would be important to take another step forward in his career. Then there is the country, there ‘Italy. He was the best option we had to continue to grow, mature and demonstrate what he had to give to football, after two years of almost no visibility. That he would have been a goalkeeper of important level and impact.”
And last year other clubs asked about him?
“Yes, it’s true. When he played in Serie B he had offers from the top flight in other countries. However, we thought that in Italy he would become a better goalkeeper. After the promotion several clubs were interested in him, but it was clear in his mind that he wanted to continue in the rossoblu. Because he feels very good, he is happy with the club and his teammates and playing in Serie A would have been an important step for him.”
How much did he grow with Gilardino?
“All the coaches he has had have brought something to his growth. He is very happy to work with Gilardino, he gives him a lot of advice, now he is a better, more complete goalkeeper. It has given him the opportunity to see football from another perspective, from another level. Because he’s playing in a historic team, in one of the best leagues in the world. It’s not easy, it’s not for everyone.”
The media talks about important clubs that are on his trail. Is he ready to handle the pressure of bigger stadiums?
“100%, I have no doubt that he can play at the top. He is a boy with a strong personality, a special character since he was young. Step by step he has grown exponentially, but always maintaining great humility. He is at the perfect age to prove himself again, whether by continuing at Genoa or in other places. He is ready to show his value again, both at Genoa and possibly in other clubs if some interesting situation arises.”
In his growth path, could it be a problem to play in a club where he might have less space, behind a more experienced goalkeeper, as would happen at Inter with Sommer?
“I don’t want to answer this question, I don’t want to talk about other clubs because as I was saying he is happy at Genoa and respects his current club.”
