Andres Iniesta admits coaching is ‘more stressful’ than playing as Barcelona legend discusses managerial ambitions

Spain’s 2010 World Cup match-winner held a UEFA A Licence when accepting the position in Dubai and is preparing to complete his top-level coaching qualifications this October. Asked whether the new role has truly won him over, Iniesta continued: “Yes. I already felt that – not a need, but that inner voice saying: ‘I want this, and I want to train for this.’

“I felt it during the process even before I began coaching. Now, it’s still there and keeps motivating me to push forward. In October, I have to begin the final step left for me, which is the UEFA Pro licence, and then I will have completed the coaching pathway.”

Addressing the inevitable question about a potential return to Camp Nou to manage Barcelona in the future, the veteran playmaker added: “It would be nice, but it’s not something I can… Look, I wanted to be a footballer. When I was a kid, I didn’t say, ‘I want to be a manager.’ I said I wanted to be a professional footballer, play for Barca, and succeed in the first team.

“That was crystal clear in my mind; those targets were non-negotiable. Now it has been a different journey, and time will tell, but obviously I am enjoying this beginning as an aspiring manager.”