Raúl: "LaLiga has done a great job in recent years and we have the chance to build on that in the USA"

Raul Gonzalez, LaLiga's country manager in the United States, gave a talk in New York on Friday as part of the international MBA in Sports Management run by Real Madrid CF and the Universidad Europea de Madrid. More than 100 students listened raptly as the LaLiga director explained how Spanish football intends to make a mark in the USA and reflected on his personal experiences as a player and in his current role.

"The change hasn't been at all traumatic. As a player I got to know one side of football, and now I'm discovering the other side of the sports industry. This is a crash course for me, just like the master's degree you are doing. LaLiga has done a great job in recent years and now we have the chance to build on that work here in the USA. It's a big challenge. There is a lot to learn about the conception of sport in this country," acknowledged Raul.

The LaLiga country manager for the USA went on to walk the students through the first strategic initiatives being implemented by LaLiga's New York office. "We're still taking the first steps in the project. Now have to explain our vision to institutions and other stakeholders from the sports world. We spend time in the office, but much more in meetings. Youth football is one of the focuses. LaLiga can contribute a lot on the development front, as we have the best professionals in this area," he remarked.

Raul wrapped up with an upbeat message about his work for LaLiga in the USA: "Every day I spend here has a real feel-good factor. I'm really happy. I'm still in touch with the football world, just from a different angle. It's amazing to be able to contribute to this great project from here in New York."

Another talk was given by Adolfo Bara, LaLiga's sales, marketing and sponsorship director, who shed light on LaLiga's worldwide commercial and international partnership strategy. The two LaLiga directors' speeches, delivered during an event that also featured representatives from leading American sports competitions such as the NBA and Major League Soccer (MLS), were greeted with enthusiasm and keen interest by the students from the Real Madrid Graduate School - Universidad Europea de Madrid.