Rafa Márquez will no longer be in charge of Barcelona's reserve team, Barça Atlètic, as his future points towards joining Javier Aguirre's coaching staff with the Mexican national team.

The Blaugrana club confirmed Márquez's departure to pursue "new professional challenges," with strong indications that he will become part of Mexico's technical team, led by Javier Aguirre.

Márquez, who played for Barcelona from 2003 to 2010, during which he won four La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies, took over Barça Atlètic in the summer of 2022. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in the development of young players.

This experience marked his first stint as a coach. Under his leadership, the team reached the semifinals for promotion to the Second Division last season and came even closer this season, battling for promotion until the final match against Córdoba.

Rafa Márquez leaves the reserve team's bench at his own request. Over two seasons, he managed 82 games for Barça Atlètic, with a record of 40 wins, 21 draws, and 21 losses.