Andrés Iniesta Sets His Sights on Coaching FC Barcelona
Andrés Iniesta won 32 titles with FC Barcelona during his 17 seasons at the club: 4 Champions Leagues, 3 FIFA Club World Cups, 9 Spanish League titles, 3 UEFA Super Cups, 6 Copa del Rey titles, and 7 Spanish Super Cup titles.
Andrés Iniesta has announced his intention to return to FC Barcelona as a coach following his recent retirement from professional football, which he formalized on October 8. Through his X account, Iniesta shared: "First days in the coaching course." In an interview with "Mundo Deportivo," he also emphasized his desire to begin his training as a head coach, reflecting his commitment to learning and preparation for this new stage in his career.
"The idea when we left Japan for the Emirates, besides being closer to Spain, was that: to start the coaching course there," Iniesta explained, as he is determined to acquire the necessary knowledge to manage a team in Europe. Even though he has played in Japan and the United Arab Emirates, his main goal is to return to his lifelong club.
Coaching Barcelona will not be an easy task, especially due to media pressure and fan expectations. Iniesta acknowledges this: "It is an incredible challenge for any coach, and for coaches who have been players here and have a history behind them, it is even more so." However, he is willing to face the challenge with patience and dedication.
Throughout his career, Iniesta has had the fortune of learning from great mentors, and he is determined to apply that knowledge in his future role as a coach. "I have learned from everyone I have encountered in day-to-day situations and in any way of managing a group," he stated, making it clear that he is focused on his training and the evolution needed to take on such an important role.
The former FC Barcelona and Spanish national team player, who left an indelible mark on the sport, retired after a successful career, winning multiple titles and being a fundamental part of football history. Now, he aims to return to the bench of his beloved Barça.