After announcing his retirement, Iniesta was interviewed by Daily Sport and talked about his future plans as a coach. Here are the details of the interview on the topic of coaching:
On the possibility of coaching Barcelona in the future
Iniesta said, "I haven't even thought about it yet ...... Now I want to start taking coaching courses, learn everything off the field and see what happens from there. Becoming Barcelona's coach is a big responsibility and at the moment I want to progress gradually and see what happens."
The idea of coaching from La Masia
On the idea of coaching from La Masia, Iniesta said, "I'll take it one step at a time and see how far we can go."
The impact of Xavi's Barcelona coaching experience on himself
Iniesta, referring to Xavi's difficulties coaching at Barcelona last year, said, "Yes, but ultimately the key is in the dreams and goals you set for yourself. When you have that in your mind, you don't think about fear, you think about doing well and enjoying the process. And then depending on where you are, there will be positive and not so positive things, always trying to do your job well."
Possibility of coaching the Spanish national team
On the possibility of coaching the Spanish national team, Iniesta said, "In terms of personal preference, of course I'd like to ...... (laughs) but it's one thing to like it, it's another thing to actually have it happen. I hope to work for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, which is where I have stayed and been recognized. But I prefer to make short-term plans, of course, I have a lot of favorite things and I hope they come true, but we'll see."
Thoughts on the Golden Globe candidates
When asked if he had a Ballon d'Or candidate he supported, Iniesta said, "No, I don't pay much attention to these things, I don't know what will happen."
Feelings at the time of retirement
Iniesta revealed that when deciding to retire, he heard that "everything is enough and it's time to stop". He emphasized that the decision was not made overnight, but was a deliberate process.
Comments on Barcelona and the national team
Iniesta believes that the Barcelona and national team he plays for is one of the best in history, and that's a fact that everyone sees and feels.
Competition with Real Madrid
Speaking about the rivalry with Real Madrid, Iniesta said that it was quite a difficult and unpleasant period, but in the end sanity prevailed and everything got back on track.
What I learned from my coach
Iniesta said that he has learned a lot from each coach. For example, from Pep Guardiola, he learned a perspective on soccer, an understanding of the game, and a way to communicate the philosophy of the game. Similar things were learned from Enrique. He emphasizes that it is very satisfying to have the privilege of working with the best and will try to learn from everyone. Even if not consciously, one is gradually influenced just by the way they manage the team.
Finally, Iniesta said that if he ever becomes a coach, it is clear that the people he has met will have an impact on him. Something will stay in his memory and then he will put it into practice. It's not necessarily what they explicitly tell him, but what he observes. This happens with coaches as well.
