Joan Oliva - 5 Continents Impacted by 1 Coach

In our interview below, we get insight into soccer from a pure soccer mind. Joan Oliva was born and raised in Barcelona. His coaching career began at the age of 15 and would eventually lead to FC Barcelona before he would go on to coach in 4 more continents including North America where he currently serves as the Sporting Director for the Louisiana Soccer Association, Technical Director for LA Krewe Rush, and MLS Next Director for Louisiana TDP. Let’s get started…

As a child, what or who first got you into soccer?

I think it all started with the ball itself. Growing up in a city like Barcelona, soccer is everywhere. Playing with a soccer ball, whether you’re icking it against a wall, dribbling around trees, or using benches as makeshift goals, is just part of everyday life. You learn to love the ball before you even fall in love with the game.

My grandfather is the person who influenced the club I would love. He was a passionate FC Barcelona fan, and from day one, I became a proud culer* just like him.

*Culer is the Catalan term used to define FC Barcelona supports.

Who was your favorite player growing up?  Why that player?

It's hard to choose just one, but I really admire Stoichkov for his passion and character, and Michael Laudrup for his elegant style. The same goes for players like Zidane and Iniesta — I have a deep admiration for those who make difficult things look effortless. Their knowledge and technique always stand out over the physicality of the game.

How would you summarize your playing career?

I joined federated clubs when I was eight since you can't start earlier! It was a local league with almost no travel. At 11, I was selected to play in the top league with Catalonia, and at 12, I was recruited by RCD Espanyol.

That year was challenging—I wasn't growing as quickly as my teammates, and it affected not only my game but also my mental confidence. I decided to drop two divisions to play at a local club with my friends when I was 13.

I started coaching as an assistant at 15 while still playing. At 18, I signed with a semi-pro club, CF Cerdanyola, and later played for two more clubs where I made a bit of money. After graduating from college, I shifted my focus entirely to my coaching career.

Knowing what you know now as an established coach, are there any factors that would have helped extend your playing career or helped bring it to greater heights?

Absolutely. When I was at my peak in terms of skill, my body wasn't cooperating, and I lacked the support to keep pushing forward. Back then, coaches didn't really guide us in other areas of development or connect us with specialists who could help. In the early 1990s, everything was about what you could physically produce on the field.

Today, I think there's a much more holistic approach to understanding players—considering their emotions, technique, game intelligence, and social relationships, rather than just focusing on physical attributes like strength and speed. That shift has transformed the way we teach and develop players.

I also didn't have a coach who focused on the finer details of the game. It was always team-oriented and centered on competition. At least, that was my experience. Now, I believe we're evolving toward developing players through competition while paying greater attention to their individual growth.

What got you interested in coaching?

I knew I could approach coaching differently from what I was seeing at the time. Johan Cruyff was a huge inspiration for me—he was a genius in how he approached the game. His philosophy and vision were transformative.

That admiration fueled my desire to study the game deeply, work with people, and help them become the best version of themselves, both on and off the field.

You started your youth coaching career at the most storied academy in the world, La Masia, Barcelona FC's historic academy.  What makes La Masia so special?

I started coaching pretty early, and looking back, it was a huge advantage for me. I spent seven years coaching at all levels in youth soccer before winning a championship with a U18 team as head coach. That achievement, along with being the youngest participant in coaching courses, caught the attention of the FC Barcelona Academy. At that time (2007), the academy was expanding and growing.

For me, it was a dream come true. Walking past the club badge I had loved since childhood and representing both FC Barcelona and Catalonia was an incredible responsibility. The culture within that academy is impossible to replicate. Many have tried, but they never succeed.

It's not just about bringing in the same coaches or players; it's about a fundamentally different way of seeing the game. They value passing, decision-making, the first touch, third-man plays, and a holistic approach to the game. There's immense pride when they see the professional team filled with young local talent. And, to be honest, even if they win but don’t play well, we aren’t truly happy—that's just the reality of our philosophy.

Who are the most famous players you coached at La Masia?  What made these players separate themselves from their teammates and opponents at the youth level? (A picture with any of the players you mention would be amazing)

When it comes to player development, I have had the privilege of coaching players who now play for national teams or in the Champions League. However, I do not support the practice of coaches claiming excessive credit by posting or mentioning their involvement in these players' journeys. It takes a tremendous amount for a player to make it to the top, and while coaches play a role, it is just a small part of a much larger picture.

Who plays a more integral in a player reaching their full potential?

Parents, and most importantly, the players themselves, are the primary driving forces behind success. A player’s maturity at a young age is, in my experience, a crucial factor. I have coached players with more natural talent than those who ultimately made it to elite levels. Yet, some of those highly talented players are now in lower divisions or have stopped playing altogether.

Lionel Messi’s career trajectory is exceptional and far from the norm. For most players, the journey is about consistently performing in the top half of their team, navigating small ups and downs, and most importantly, dealing with frustration while maintaining a genuine love for practice and the game itself.

What are critical traits a player needs to have or at least work to develop to help with his development?

Personality is, in my opinion, the defining factor that separates the good from the great. Traits like resilience, dedication, and a positive attitude make all the difference. And, let's not forget luck—some players were simply in the right place at the right time, in front of the right people.

Ultimately, success in sports is multifaceted. While coaching is part of the journey, it’s essential to remember and respect the broader context that includes the player’s determination, family support, and sometimes even serendipity.

You are now in a position where you are simultaneously coaching youth players at Louisiana TDP Elite, an MLS Next program, while also coaching adults at Louisiana Krewe FC, a USL 2 team.  You are overseeing the entire development journey of young soccer players?  What have you observed to be the core features of players that are able to maximize their development and make the most of their abilities? (Any picture of your picking would be ideal for this question)?

Transitioning and adjusting through different phases of development is essential. In the younger teams, the focus should be on technical development. As players grow, tactical concepts are introduced, requiring them to link those technical skills with game and its decisions (tactics). Over time, competition becomes a more significant part of the journey. These three aspects—technical, tactical, and competitive development—are always present, but their priority shifts as players mature. By the age of 17, players need to focus on more than just basic skills like kicking or juggling the ball. They must learn how to adjust their game to the competition, the opponent, and the coach’s game model.

How is modern soccer progressing to help more youth soccer players reach their maximum potential?

Modern soccer has become more tactical and physical than ever. Coaches can easily monitor players' mileage and positioning thanks to the extensive filming of games. However, this emphasis on control and analysis is leading to a decline in creativity and the ability to win 1v1 situations. That's why platforms like Skillmasters and other individual training opportunities are essential. They help players develop technical skills while maintaining fitness levels. Success in soccer requires both creativity and the stamina to perform at peak level for 90 minutes, three times a week. Players who master both will truly stand out from the rest.

As soccer continues to progress in the US, what do you predict will be the common traits of the players that make the USMNT squad for the 2026 World Cup and beyond?

Players in top physical condition, combined with a deeper understanding of tactics, have elevated the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) compared to previous generations. Many of today's players, like Pulisic, have had the opportunity to train under international coaches or play abroad, gaining exposure to different styles and systems. Soccer is a global game, and the US is actively figuring out its place in this ever-evolving landscape of trends. I believe they’re getting closer to finding their identity and establishing themselves on the world stage.