David Prats (Badalona, 1979) is one of those responsible for shaping football in the Qatar Stars League. Together with other coaches such as Tintín Márquez, Rubén Albés and Vicente Moreno, Prats has transformed Asian football with innovative ideas, achieving excellent results. Prats was responsible for leading a team that was fighting to stay in the Asian Champions League. A former analyst for Xavi Hernández during his time as coach, David speaks to MARCA after securing a historic second place in the standings and receiving the league's Coach of the Year award.
Q: We have the Qatar Stars League Coach of the Year in front of us. How do you evaluate the season?
A: "Through a lot of work, passion and an excellent human group, we managed to have a team that believes in what we are doing and in an idea of the game. This led us to reach the last round competing for the league and playing good football. I am very satisfied".
Q: What are the goals for next season for David Prats and Al-Shamal?
A: "The club's main objective is to establish itself as a first division team, with stability, a project and an idea. From there, continue to grow."
Q: Your team has Spanish players, especially from La Masía. How did Álex Collado and Pau Prim adapt?
A: "They are adapting well. Álex already had some experience in Saudi Arabia. Pau arrived on loan in December and I am very pleased with him. They both adapted very well and have helped us a lot."
Q: Why do you believe the Spanish player adapts easily to the Qatar Stars League?
A: "When you play in this league and you were trained in clubs in Spain, the quality is above what Qatar is."
Q: Do you believe it is important to have a coach like Lopetegui leading the national team?
A: "Yes. They qualified for the World Cup for the first time because they were hosts in the previous one, and that was already a success. Here we are a community. With so many Spanish coaches and players, we feel more at home. The capital of Qatar is small, we are always crossing paths and that makes it a lot easier."
Q: How did your football career start?
A: "I came here in the first stage with Xavi at Al Sadd as coach of the branch and assistant to the first team. Our objective was to build a project in which young players could progress. It was a very rewarding experience."
Q: Why did you decide to take the step and become a head coach?
A: "When the season at Barça ended, Xavi wanted to rest. During that time this proposal came up and I spoke to him about the situation. He said he wanted to rest, but that if something came up that motivated us, we should move forward. So, I accepted, my profile fit the club and here I am."
Q: What does Xavi Hernández mean to you?
A: "It means a lot. I grew up with him and we are friends. He trusted me to come here and be part of his work team. He's a person I trust, we discuss football a lot and exchange advice."
Q: How did you spend your time at Barcelona? Do you think they were a little unfair to him?
A: "I believe so. We arrived at the club in a delicate situation, we needed a boost and to restore confidence to the fans. It's not just about the results, but also about the young players we invested in and who received a lot of confidence. All of this is largely due to Xavi, who invested in players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí."
Q: Is the Spanish coach in fashion?
A: "In Spain we have top-notch training and a passion for football, and that is contagious. If a coach has passion, he can transmit it, and when a team plays with passion, they can achieve great things."
Q: Is there a coach you look up to?
A: "The one that marked me the most was always Xavi, but as I worked as an analyst, I like watching games and "stealing ideas" from other coaches. I really like Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Unai Emery's teams."
Q: What team do you see Xavi in?
A: "I see him in any team because he has leadership skills. He doesn't seem to be in a hurry to train, he often talks about the possibility of a long-term project in the national team, and he seems to be more excited about that than about a big European club right now."
Q: Would you work with him again or would you prefer to follow your path as a head coach?
A: "Right now I'm at a professional and personal stage that gives me great pleasure as a head coach. If Xavi accepted a new challenge now, it would be difficult for me to pass on this opportunity, as I'm enjoying something I've always dreamed of."
Q: How do you see the Spanish team for the World Cup?
A: "I see her with incredible potential. She's one of the favorites. However, going to a World Cup brings responsibilities and football is made up of details, but with players like Pedri and Rodri, we always have to be among the favorites."
Q: If you could choose one player from the Spanish National Team to bring to Al-Shamal, who would it be?
A: "I would take anyone with my eyes closed, but if I had to choose, I would go with Gavi or Fermín. Both have an extraordinary passion and competitive nature."