Laia Codina's football education

What do you wish you had known earlier in your career?

One thing I wish I’d let myself do is make more mistakes when I was younger. When all these massive changes started happening in my life and I joined Barca and the Spanish national team, I probably put myself under too much pressure. I didn’t let myself make mistakes in case they cost me. I didn’t even want to misplace a pass! Now I think about it: the moments when I have made mistakes are also when I’ve learned the most. Sometimes, we just have to let people make mistakes.

What training qualifications do you have now or would like to have in future? Would you like to become a coach?

I think about this question a lot. Before, I used to be certain that I didn’t want to go anywhere near football after I retired. Turns out, I was wrong! I love football and as I grow up, I love it even more. When I see young players coming through the ranks, I just want to help them in any way I can. So in the last few months, I’ve been seriously considering becoming a coach one day. I really want to see players develop as footballers and as people, and I want to help them.

I would want to help young players especially because I think that is the most important phase of a footballer’s career. I try to do that now at Arsenal with our academy girls. So you’ll probably see me around a coaching office, but I’m hoping I still have another ten years of playing in me!

I think how I grew up is how I want to teach. Having the ball is so important in Spanish football and I enjoy that possession too. Being attacking-minded as well, even as a defender. I’m open-minded when it comes to footballing styles though. I’ve learned so much at Arsenal already, even though it’s only been a year or so. I’ve spent time in Spain, in Italy and now England, and I love how the game is changing all the time. But if I had to choose, I think my heart is still with Spanish football. It takes me back to just playing on the street or the beach with my friends, being creative and enjoying myself. That’s what it’s all about.

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