Josep Moratalla


Josep Moratalla Claramunt is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a central defender, and a coach.

Playing career

Born in Esparreguera, Barcelona, Catalonia, Moratalla signed for FC Barcelona in 1972 at the age of 13. He played seven seasons with the national powerhouse, but only appeared 19 times in La Liga in his first four years combined, barred by José Ramón Alexanko and Migueli– for instance, when the Blaugrana won the national championship in the 1984–85 campaign, he only totalled 104 minutes in two matches; he made his league debut for the club on 28 February 1982, coming on as a late substitute in a 2–0 home win against Sevilla FC.
Even though used rarely in his beginnings, Moratalla started in the 1982 European Cup Winners' Cup Final, a 2–1 win against Standard Liège at the Camp Nou, Additionally, he was brought from the bench in the 1986 European Cup Final, lost in a penalty shootout to FC Steaua Bucureşti.
Moratalla played with Barcelona until 1988, being first-choice in his final two years and adding the Copa del Rey to his trophy cabinet in his last. He retired from football at only 32 after three seasons in the second level with another team in his native region, UE Figueres.

Coaching career

Moratalla started working as a manager in 1992, and all of his clubs hailed from his region of birth and competed in the lower leagues. His first job was at FC Santboià, followed by CE Europa where he would have two separate spells.
Moratalla's only experience in Segunda División B came during 2000–01 with CE Premià, where he ultimately did not possessed the necessary requirements to coach at that level after failing his exam. The team eventually ranked in last position, and he went on to be in charge of Girona FC from Tercera División for two years.
Additionally, Moratalla acted as sporting president of Barcelona's Agrupació Barça Jugadors, who held several activities and events involving past players of the organization.

Honours

Barcelona