Angola's Petro de Luanda hire ex-Barcelona coach

Photo Credit: Petro de Luanda.

Former FC Barcelona youth team trainer Franc Artiga has been appointed as Angola's Petro de Luanda FC head coach.

The Girabola champions confirmed the appointment of the 48-year-old on Monday, June 23, 2025. Artiga has strong roots in the FC Barcelona school, where he distinguished himself in developing talent, based on the philosophy of ball possession and intensity.

"The coach, who came through the youth ranks at Barcelona, ​​has extensive experience in developing young players. He arrives at Eixo Viário with the aim of keeping Petro at the top of domestic football and improving its performance in continental competitions," Petro de Luanda's statement reads.

Before taking over as coach of Petro de Luanda, Artiga worked in Russia, serving Khimki FC and Rodina Moskva, respectively.

He also coached the under-18 and under-20 teams in the United Arab Emirates. The Spaniard's arrival has seen previous interim coach Flávio da Silva Amad, simply known as Flávio, demoted to an assistant trainer.

The former Palancas Negras’ striker replaced Ricardo Chéu, who was sacked recently, following the Luanda-based team’s elimination from the Angolan Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Flavio led Petro de Luanda to the Girabola league championship.