Kroos, Iniesta, Madrid’s Talent Pipeline, and More: Which Legends Are Preparing for Coaching Careers?

Andrés Iniesta announced his intention to become a coach at his farewell ceremony. Just a few days later, Toni Kroos expressed the same aspiration. Undoubtedly, two of their generation's most intelligent midfielders have great coaching potential. Still, we’re unlikely to see them managing top clubs anytime soon. However, which famous players are already preparing to step into coaching roles?

In the 2021/22 season, Robin van Persie began coaching by managing Feyenoord's U-16 team. He quickly climbed the ranks to U-19 and received an offer from Eredivisie side Heerenveen this year. While the team is struggling in mid-table, just three points above the relegation zone, the club's management believes in the process and is not considering sacking him.

His compatriot, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, has been more successful. From 2015 to 2019, he managed Feyenoord, winning the league title and the domestic cup. He later reached the Europa League final with Rangers and, since July, has been in charge of Beşiktaş. He’s already won the Super Cup with the Turkish club and is now competing in the league's title race.

Meanwhile, in Germany, Miroslav Klose is growing as a coach. He gained experience under Joachim Löw with the German national team, then worked as an assistant to Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich. He now manages Nürnberg in the 2. Bundesliga.

But the most substantial wave of new talent is coming from Madrid. Gabi is currently coaching Getafe's second team, Fernando Torres is leading Atlético Madrid's reserve squad, and Raúl has been managing Castilla for five years. Reportedly, Raúl was Bayer Leverkusen’s preferred choice to replace Xabi Alonso when rumors linked Alonso to Liverpool. Though that move didn’t materialize, Raúl will get his chance at a major club soon.

Meanwhile, at the renowned Coverciano coaching academy in Italy (which has produced nearly all Italian managers), Franck Ribéry, Samir Handanović, and Domenico Criscito are working toward their coaching licenses.

So, there’s no shortage of familiar names to grace the sidelines shortly!

Published by Patrick Jane
03.01.2025