Carrasco: A Global Journey Through Football Management
The career of Carrasco is a testament to the globalization of modern football coaching. From the prestigious youth academies of Spain to the national team setups of the Middle East and the competitive leagues of Eastern Europe, Carrasco has built a diverse portfolio specializing in both youth development and first-team management.
Foundations at La Masia and Early International Experience
Carrasco began his professional journey in his home region of Catalonia, Spain. He spent 11 years at La Masia, the world-renowned youth academy of FC Barcelona. During this tenure, he focused on the foundational stages of player development, managing the under-9, under-12, and under-14 squads.
In June 2011, Carrasco transitioned to international coaching by joining FC Dinamo Tbilisi in Georgia, where he served as the director of the youth categories.
Returning to Spain and Expanding Horizons
After his first stint in Georgia, Carrasco returned to Spain in 2012 to lead the Cadete A squad (the under-16 category) at Málaga CF. His leadership was marked by success, as he guided the side to two accolades during his time there.
His connection to Georgia remained strong, leading him back to the country on July 15, 2013, to take over as the director of the youth setup at FC Saburtalo Tbilisi.
Transition to First-Team Coaching and Global Moves
Carrasco's move into senior coaching began on November 24, 2014, when he was appointed assistant manager to Álex García at CE Sabadell FC. Following García's resignation in February 2015, Carrasco sought opportunities outside of Europe, joining the Western Sydney Wanderers FC in Australia on July 14, 2015.
After re-signing with the Wanderers in January 2016, he remained in Australia until February 2017, when he accepted an offer from the Turkish club Kardemir Karabükspor.
European Youth Leadership and National Team Management
On July 6, 2018, Carrasco returned to Eastern Europe to manage the under-19 squad of FC Shakhtar Donetsk. In this role, he led the team during the 2019–20 UEFA Youth League, though the squad was eliminated during the group stage.
His trajectory ascended further on November 10, 2020, when he was appointed as the manager of the Kuwait national team, while simultaneously overseeing the Kuwait U19 team.
Recent Appointments and Return to Ukraine
Carrasco returned to Georgia on August 4, 2023, when Dinamo Tbilisi appointed him as Head Coach following the departure of Giorgi Tchiabrishvili. He held this position until June 7, 2024.
Shortly after leaving Tbilisi, on June 11, 2024, Carrasco signed a contract to manage LNZ Cherkasy, marking his return to the Ukrainian Premier League.
Key Facts
- Origin: Born in Sant Miquel d'Olèrdola, Barcelona, Catalonia.
- Youth Expertise: Spent 11 years at FC Barcelona's La Masia.
- International Reach: Has coached in Spain, Georgia, Australia, Turkey, Kuwait, and Ukraine.
- National Team Experience: Former manager of the Kuwait national team and Kuwait U19s.
- Current Role: Manager of LNZ Cherkasy in the Ukrainian Premier League.
| Period/Date | Club/Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Years (Early Career) | FC Barcelona (La Masia) | Youth Manager (U9, U12, U14) |
| June 2011 | FC Dinamo Tbilisi | Director of Youth Categories |
| 2012 | Málaga CF | Cadete A Manager |
| July 2013 | FC Saburtalo Tbilisi | Director of Youth Setup |
| Nov 2014 | CE Sabadell FC | Assistant Manager |
| July 2015 - Feb 2017 | Western Sydney Wanderers FC | Manager/Staff |
| July 2018 | FC Shakhtar Donetsk | Under-19 Manager |
| Nov 2020 | Kuwait National Team | Manager (Senior & U19) |
| Aug 2023 - June 2024 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Head Coach |
| June 2024 | LNZ Cherkasy | Manager |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Carrasco start his coaching career?
Carrasco began his career at FC Barcelona's La Masia, where he spent 11 years managing the under-9, under-12, and under-14 squads.
Which national team has Carrasco managed?
Carrasco served as the manager of the Kuwait national team, as well as the Kuwait U19 team, starting in November 2020.
Has Carrasco coached in Australia?
Yes, he joined the Western Sydney Wanderers FC on July 14, 2015, and remained with the club until February 2017.
What is Carrasco's current professional role?
As of June 11, 2024, Carrasco is the manager of the Ukrainian Premier League club LNZ Cherkasy.
Did Carrasco have any success with youth teams in Spain?
Yes, while managing the Cadete A squad at Málaga CF, he led the team to two accolades.