Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets takes first major step towards coaching career
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Sergio Busquets has begun the next chapter of his football career.
At 38, the former Barcelona midfielder is taking his first official steps towards becoming a coach, working as an assistant to Juliano Belletti with Barça Atlètic while preparing to begin his coaching qualifications in the coming weeks.
Busquets is still a familiar presence around the club, but his role has changed dramatically, as the player who spent years controlling matches on the pitch is now learning how to influence them from the technical area.
Busquets starts learning the coaching trade at Barça Atlètic
Notably, Busquets joined Belletti’s Barça Atlètic staff in August after Barcelona announced his appointment as an assistant coach.
According to Mundo Deportivo, though, his involvement has so far been deliberately understated.
Busquets has joined Juliano Belletti at Barça Atlètic. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)
Rather than taking an interventionist role, the former midfielder has spent much of his time observing training and matches, with his communication with players limited to occasional tactical comments.
His conversations have been particularly focused on midfielders, an area he knows better than almost anyone after building an extraordinary playing career in that position.
For now, his work is largely taking place away from the spotlight. He attends training sessions and matches at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, although he has not yet travelled with the team and currently watches matches from the stands.
Barcelona legend prepares for UEFA coaching licence
According to the outlet, Busquets is due to begin the UEFA A coaching course in the coming weeks. Until the course starts, he cannot officially take his place on the touchline during matches.
Once enrolled, he will receive provisional registration that will allow him to work from the technical area.
Busquets will soon begin the official work to get his coaching licence. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Notably, his decision to join Barça Atlètic before beginning the course is intended to give him an early understanding of the job and ensure he enters the qualification process better prepared.
The UEFA A licence will allow him to coach at certain levels, including the Juvenil A category, or work as an assistant coach with a first team.
The eventual target is the UEFA PRO licence, which is the highest coaching qualification and is required to manage teams at the top level.
Those close to the Barcelona legend say his interest in coaching developed during the final years of his playing career.
After retiring in December at 37, he has now chosen to begin that transition at the club where he built his legacy.