Ex-Barcelona midfielder, Diego Lopez, has been appointed the coach of Barcelona’s B team after agreeing a two year contract. The 36-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique in taking charge of the Camp Nou outfit’s second string, with Barca hopeful he can ultimately emulate their successes.

Gerard who made 140 appearances scoring 10 goals for the club during his player career has expressed his delight and readiness to carry out the new role.

“It is an honour to return to the club,” he told the club’s official website. “My family has been linked to Barcelona, I spent many years at the club and me back is better than I could spend.

“As a coach of Barca B have two major challenges – to return Barca B to the Second Division A and help youth players can climb into the first team. My experience in the academy system will be of great use to me because I can put myself into the players’ shoes. I’m eager to start work and I am sure that alongside Pep Segura, we’ll do a great job”