Faustino ‘Tino’ Pérez-Moreno Gómez has officially begun his tenure as the new coach of Barça. Following his announcement on March 1, Pérez signed a contract until 2026, set to replace Jesús Velasco. Without a formal introduction yet, Pérez shared his excitement on ‘En Castilla La Mancha Diario,’ calling Barça “the most powerful club in the world,” known for its recent national and international successes.
Pérez arrives after leaving Shanghai Quanqi Pioneer Football Club, leveraging an escape clause in his contract on June 30. While enjoying his summer in his hometown, he expressed, “It is an honor to sign for this great club,” during an interview with Castilla La Mancha Televisión.
In 2019, Pérez succeeded Velasco at Movistar Inter, and now, five years later, they switch roles again, this time at Palau. Pérez’s relationship with Barça’s team manager, Jordi Torras, who played under him at Polaris World Cartagena, is seen as a positive move for continuity in Barça’s methodology and philosophy.
Coaching career
Pérez’s coaching career is extensive, having begun as an assistant to Jesús Velasco at Toledart, later coaching CLM Talavera, Playas de Castellón, Polaris World Cartagena, Armiñana Valencia, and Azkar Lugo in Spain. His international experience spans Romania, Russia, Azerbaijan, Italy, and China. Pérez is one of the most decorated coaches, with accolades including 4 Champions Leagues, 3 Spanish Leagues, and numerous titles in Russia and Italy.
His appointment at Barça comes during a time of significant transitions, with key player departures and a season with only one title. Despite challenges, Pérez is committed to winning and expanding Barça’s trophy cabinet. The club confirmed signings of youth talents Eric Martel, Nakata, and Moroccan player Khalid Bouzid, along with the renewal of Alex Yepes’s contract. While a reference pivot replacement for Ferrao was requested, Barça chose not to make major economic investments.
Pérez concludes, “My arrival at Barcelona has no other objective than to win. The priority is to continue to win titles, expand their trophy cabinet, and make it look good.”
