During his career as a player at Real Madrid, Spanish footballer Guti played in the shadows of legendary Zinedine Zidane. However, time has passed but even after a year, he is still playing a vital role at the club as he is still under the shadow of Zidane.
But this is by no means any criticism, as the 40-year old is helping build a strong youth team for Real Madrid in the recent years. French tactician Zinedine Zidane has learned his trait after taking up the role of youth team manager and helped to develop the likes of Martin Odegaard.
Now, Guti is also taking a similar path since retiring from playing in 2011. He has returned back to the club and took up the role in Madrid’s Juvenil youth side, comprised of under-19 players.
The Spaniard has become so impressive that he led the side to a historic treble last season. Los Blancos youth side have managed to defeat their city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey finals by a comprehensive 4-1 margin to complete the feat.
The margin was a reflection to their win over their rivals in 2014 Champions League final to achieve a similar feat with the senior team. The team had earlier also won Copa de Campeones and the Division de Honor to complete their treble.
There is also a lot of buzz about youth player Oscar, who plays in attacking midfield and scored in their Copa del Rey win. He is expected to make more progress under Guti and is looking like a prodigy for the future already.
Guti has always dreamt of moving back to his home club, where he spent 24 years as a player and he is surely doing it in some style being the coach of the youth team.
Upon retiring in 2012 Guti said: “I’m going to train to become a sporting director or a coach and I’d like to train youngsters.
“I’d really like to coach the Real Madrid youth team. That’s my dream.”