Ibán Andrés: We conduct comprehensive training for the Academy youth teams
The UD Almería Academy Director explains that they instill healthy lifestyle habits in the youth ranks that have to be built 24 hours a day
UD Almería Academy Director Ibán Andrés had an interview on UDA Radio, the Club's official radio station, to talk about the youth ranks that are of the utmost importance for the Club since they are not only the future of UD Almería, but also the present. 'We're trying to conduct comprehensive training for the Academy youth teams,' he explained. Then, he added: 'Apart from sporting matters, we instill healthy lifestyle habits in the young players such as helping them take control of their own studies and we're also trying, as far as possible, to make them feel like pro footballers.'
Moreover, Ibán Andrés stressed: 'We try to ensure that the players set themselves personal development goals. They spend a couple of hours with us per day and we instill some healthy habits in them that they have to stick to over the remaining twenty-two hours. Training is fundamental.
On the other hand, the UD Almería youth sides director indicated: 'We develop a job methodology so that all youth ranks are managed by the same pattern. I'm talking about systems and game philosophy.'
Furthermore, one of the objectives pursued in the Academy is to 'create a stable squad so that in this way, the members have the possibility to move up tiers within the Club in a more staggered way, which benefits all the teams.'
Ibán Andrés valued very positively the fact that an important part of UDA Youth Academy youngsters from last season made the leap to the 'B' team. As for, UD Almería 'B', he pointed out: 'They're a very young squad, but we've added some non-U23 players to help them. They play in a division in which there are rivals with a lot of experience, difficult pitches where to win and very devoted fans.'
The Huércal de Almería native has returned to his homeland and his Club UD Almería after several years away. He was at the helm of the UD Almería U19 'A' when they participated in the Spanish Cup for the first time ever. Afterwards, he was appointed Javi Gracia's assistant coach in the promotion to the Primera Division and continued with him at Málaga CF and at FC Rubin Kazan in Russia. He abandoned the dugouts to become technical secretary, again at UD Almería, and later, sporting director advisor at Valencia CF. A long, distinguished career, despite his young age, 'which has helped him grow a lot on a professional and personal level.'
When asked about in which job position he feels the most comfortable, he responded: 'They're all different, but in all of them I've felt fulfilled. The way you feel at home, in your Club, is the best.'