Rafa Marquez explains why he’s quit Barcelona Atletic for Mexico job
Rafa Marquez has spoken out about his decision to leave Barcelona Atletic and take up a new job with the Mexico national team.
The former Barca player left just as his players were due back for pre-season and after agreeing to stay on for another campaign.
Marquez admits it was a tough decision to make but an opportunity he simply couldn’t turn down.
“I’ve spent many days analyzing the decision about a new challenge. It’s been very difficult for me to make the decision to leave Barcelona Atlètic and take on a new commitment. I’ve never liked to be in a comfort zone in my life. I’m always looking for growth and these two years at Barcelona Atlètic have helped me realize that there is a passion and an idea that I must continue to hone through hard work.
“I am grateful for the great opportunity that FC Barcelona has given me. To president Joan Laporta, the directors, staff, players and club workers, I hope to have met the objectives and expectations set. As happened when I was a player at the club, once again I hope that it is not a goodbye but a see you soon,” he said.
Marquez will now work as an assistant to Javier Aguirre with Mexico and has already been tipped to take over after the 2026 World Cup.He’s certainly looking forward to his new role.
“I face this new challenge with the responsibility it deserves. First of all, it has been my pride for my country in the face of such an important commitment as playing in a World Cup at home and being able to transmit all my knowledge, my values and my passion for football to all of us who will be part of this new stage.
“One of the most important things in my philosophy of life is that to achieve objectives, hard work is the cornerstone, because I will give my best to be able to help improve each area in which I have to work, always trying to spread my positive mentality and hoping that good results will accompany us.”
Barcelona must now find a new boss for the reserve team. Juliano Belletti, who worked with Marquez last season and has been put in charge of Juvenil A, is one possible option.
