Sergio Busquets, the veteran midfielder whose 17‑year playing career culminated with Inter Miami’s MLS Cup triumph in 2025, has taken his first steps into coaching as an assistant with Barcelona B for the upcoming 2026‑27 season. His appointment marks the start of a coaching journey that began with a clear ambition expressed as early as 2015, even while he was still an active player.
The Making of a Coach
Busquets’ path to the dugout has been shaped by two of the club’s most influential managers. He honed his tactical understanding under Pep Guardiola during the coach’s formative years at Barcelona B, later working closely with Luis Enrique, who re‑integrated him into the senior setup before his move to Inter Miami.
Now under the guidance of Juliano Belletti, who leads the B team’s coaching staff, Busquets is pursuing the UEFA Pro Licence and immersing himself in modern coaching methodologies. His role involves designing training drills, analysing opponents, and mentoring the youngsters who view him as a living example of the club’s developmental ethos.
The transition reflects a broader pattern at Barcelona: legends who once wore the blaugrana jersey often return to influence the next generation. From Guardiola’s early stewardship of the reserves to Xavi Hernández’s recent, now concluded, tenure, the club has cultivated a pipeline where playing experience translates into leadership on the sidelines.
For Barcelona, the integration of former players like Busquets offers continuity of values and an intimate understanding of the tactical identity that has defined the club’s success. It also provides a bridge between the academy’s youthful energy and the senior team’s seasoned expectations, reinforcing a culture where success is measured not only in trophies but also in the development of future leaders.