Iniesta is beginning to experience football from the dugout after spending most of his life on the pitch. The former Spain and Barcelona midfielder is now coaching Gulf United and preparing to complete his final coaching qualification, the Pro licence.
He admits management brings a different kind of pressure.
“It is a little more stressful than when you are a player, because you have to try not to control, but you do have many more things in your head and different situations,” Iniesta told Marca. “But it is very cool. It is a great challenge, with even more teamwork with your staff and players.”
His playing career remains a source of pride, particularly because of the journey from his hometown of Fuentealbilla to the top of the sport.
“I am excited by the journey,” Iniesta said. “Obviously, in a journey there are moments that mark you, but I am proud that in the end a boy from Fuentealbilla fulfilled his dream of becoming a footballer, that he never gave up, that he was always professional and that football was his passion and his life.”
Iniesta also reflected on the difficult moments that accompanied the success.
“Things have happened in my life that have not been so pleasant, but in the end they broaden the view that an athlete, a famous person or someone with very positive living conditions can feel or experience things that anyone can experience,” he said.
He has no regrets about his career, however.
“I have no regrets. I have been fortunate to have had a talent for playing football that I worked on from the first day I was born, practically, to become a footballer,” Iniesta said. “I have had the opportunity to do every day what I have liked and been passionate about most.”
Becoming a professional, playing for Barcelona and succeeding with the first team were childhood ambitions he never doubted.
“When I was little I was clear that I wanted to play for Barça and succeed in the first team,” he said. “Those goals in my head were non-negotiable.”
Coaching Barcelona one day would be special, but Iniesta is not making it a present ambition.
“It would be nice, but it is not something I can tell you now,” he said. “It has been a different process and time will tell, but obviously at this beginning as a possible coach I am enjoying it.”
Iniesta is also encouraged by Spain’s current generation, believing the team can achieve more success after winning another World Cup.
“Having one star is very good, but two stars give us another level as a national team and as a country,” he said. “This generation of the national team can do many very beautiful things.”
As he moves further into coaching, Iniesta remains grateful for the career that brought him to this point and is now focused on learning what comes next.