Andres Iniesta describes the type of manager he wants to be and faces the challenge of Barcelona
Senior Barcelona and the midfielder of Spain Andres Iniesta he retired last week, holding an event in the Catalan capital where he made his name. It appears he will pursue a career in coaching after turning down various suggestions in the past.
Of course, one of the first questions asked by MD it was if he could see himself following in the footsteps of former teammate Xavi Hernandez, and taking over as manager of the club he came from.
“It's an incredible challenge for every coach and for technicians who have been players here and had a history behind them, even more. It's a big challenge. But when you think as a coach, you always try to be prepared for something .
He was also asked who were his references, and if he took anything from all his coaches in his new career.
“No to the first question and yes to the second. In the end, directly or indirectly, I learned from everyone I had with daily life and every way of managing a group. Now I'm just focused on learning, watching , study, talk and from there, look. I can't answer what my coaching model is because I don't have it nor have I stopped to think about it.
The key rules that Hansi Flick has implemented since his coaching position. @fansjavimiguel
– Punctuality: players must arrive 90 minutes before training starts.
– Weigh daily: players must check their weight daily before training.
– Mandatory meals at the Ciutat Esportiva:…— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 14, 2024
Iniesta made it clear that he was very much at the beginning of his journey in terms of becoming a coach.
“With the Iniesta profile I want to emphasize that everyone is unique in their essence. We will see, but I am reluctant to talk about a coach when I have not even started. There are hopes and good things that could happen, but time will tell us “.
The key thing is to have a clear idea of what you want though, according to the 40 year old.
“Mainly, the knowledge of what you want to do and transmit. You have to know what is a wardrobe and many aspects. And above all, surround yourself with powerful people who you feel can help.
“Yes, yes. Of course. Compared to the footballer, I suppose a lot more because the footballer is the one who thinks about himself and how to make others better. But the coach has to think a lot.”
Andres Iniesta on whether a manager suffers more than a player. (MD) #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/yCO8hd51OT
— Football España (@footballespana_) October 14, 2024
Few had designated Iniesta as one of the players to be a key part of Barcelona's historic sides to become a coach in the future, being a quieter character than Xavi, Carles Puyol or some of his other contemporaries. However, he does not lack experience at the highest level, and while he spent his entire top-level career in Barcelona, he moved to a completely contrasting culture and world of football at Vissel Kobe in Japan.
