Spanish expert Capellas lays foundations for new Dinamo academy: 'We don't want to stifle Croatian talent'

Dinamo Zagreb has appointed Albert Capellas, a distinguished Spanish football strategist, to spearhead its youth academy, signaling a significant investment in developing homegrown talent. Capellas brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked with elite clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and within Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy, where he mentored stars like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta.

His arrival is part of a broader initiative to enhance the academy's structure and coaching methodologies. Capellas is joined by two fellow Spanish coordinators: Jordi Font Aloy, responsible for age groups seven to 14, and Joan Suriol Borras, overseeing the 14 to 19 age bracket. Borras has already impressed by quickly learning Croatian, demonstrating respect for his new environment.

These Spanish experts, working alongside Goran Vlaović, the academy's overall coordinator, form a crucial part of the technical team. Their diverse perspectives and international experience are intended to foster new generations of Dinamo players. Capellas emphasized that the academy's goal is not to stifle local talent but to nurture it with advanced training and strategic development.

The club's commitment to international expertise aims to modernize its player development pipeline, ensuring that Dinamo continues to produce top-tier talent for both its first team and the broader Croatian football scene. This strategic move underscores Dinamo's ambition to maintain its status as a leading club in the region.