Andres Iniesta has revealed the three Barcelona players he would prioritize signing if he ever became a manager. The 40-year-old football legend, who recently announced his retirement after a remarkable 24-year professional career, has already started laying the groundwork for a potential coaching career. As part of his transition from the pitch to the sidelines, Iniesta shared his thoughts on which current Barcelona players he would bring into his squad if given the chance.
Iniesta, who spent most of his illustrious playing career at Barcelona, left the club in 2018 to explore new opportunities abroad. He enjoyed stints with Vissel Kobe in Japan and later the Emirates Club in the United Arab Emirates before officially hanging up his boots. Now, as he contemplates his next move, the Spanish maestro has made it clear that a return to Barcelona in some capacity is something he envisions for his future. He expressed his desire to return to the club at some point, although he hasn’t specified when or if that would be in a managerial role.
His longtime midfield partner and friend, Xavi, served as Barcelona’s first-team coach from 2021 to 2024. During his time as head coach, Xavi led the club to a La Liga title in the 2022/23 season, but a disappointing, trophy-less campaign the following year led to his replacement by German manager Hansi Flick. Under Flick’s leadership, Barcelona has found themselves at the top of La Liga after nine games this season, which has given the club a sense of stability for now. Still, Iniesta remains ambitious about his future in coaching, making it clear that he is keen to contribute to his former club.
When asked which three players he would want to bring to his team if he were a manager, Iniesta provided an interesting and somewhat unconventional response. Rather than going for the biggest names or most obvious choices, he highlighted the importance of a balanced squad by selecting a midfielder, a goalkeeper, and a winger.
Iniesta’s first choice was Pedri, a young midfielder who has often been compared to the Spanish legend himself. Both players share a number of similarities on the pitch, from their deft first touch to their exceptional passing range and ability to maintain control with a low center of gravity. The comparisons between the two have been frequent, and Iniesta has previously expressed admiration for Pedri’s talent and potential. In an interview with ESPN in 2022, Iniesta spoke about the advice he’s given Pedri, offering his support and willingness to help as the young player continues to develop. Iniesta praised Pedri for his humility, work ethic, and desire to improve, qualities that he believes will make Pedri a future leader at Barcelona.
Andres Iniesta Hints at Barcelona Return with Strategic Player Choices
Next on Iniesta’s list was goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, a player whose steady presence between the posts has been vital for Barcelona over the years. Ter Stegen has been with the club since 2014 and has consistently delivered world-class performances. While currently sidelined with a patella tendon injury sustained in a match against Villarreal in September, the German goalkeeper remains a critical part of the team’s success. Iniesta’s decision to include Ter Stegen makes sense, as his experience and composure are essential traits that any manager would want in their goalkeeper.
The final player on Iniesta’s wishlist was Ansu Fati, a winger who burst onto the scene in 2019 with great promise but has since struggled to live up to the high expectations set for him. Despite his early potential, Fati’s career has been somewhat inconsistent, and a recent loan spell at Brighton in the Premier League didn’t yield the breakthrough many had hoped for. Nevertheless, Iniesta’s decision to include Fati suggests that he still sees potential in the young forward, believing that with the right guidance and opportunity, Fati could still develop into the star many thought he would become. However, speculation around Fati’s future at Barcelona continues to grow, with rumors suggesting he could leave the club permanently as early as January if his situation does not improve.
While it remains to be seen if Iniesta will indeed step into a managerial role, his thoughtful selection of players speaks to his deep understanding of the game and the needs of a balanced team. Whether it’s the playmaking ability of Pedri, the reliability of Ter Stegen, or the untapped potential of Fati, Iniesta’s choices reflect a vision that balances both experience and youth, something that has defined Barcelona’s approach for decades.
As he continues to prepare for his next chapter in football, the possibility of seeing Iniesta in a managerial role at Barcelona is an exciting prospect for fans who have long admired his skill and leadership on the field.
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