Sergio Busquets quits Lionel Messi Inter Miami for Barcelona Atletic
Barcelona Atletic faces a tactical vacuum as it seeks to accelerate the development of its reserve squad and push for promotion from the Segunda Federación. The appointment of Sergio Busquets supplies the experienced football mind the club needs to guide its next generation.
Coaching appointment confirmed
After announcing his retirement at the end of last year, Busquets left a massive void alongside Lionel Messi that Inter Miami have struggled to fill ever since. The Spanish midfielder’s departure created a leadership gap that the Miami side has yet to remedy.
After taking some time away from the pitch, Busquets told reporters in the mixed zone after an Inter Miami match against the New England Revolution in October that he preferred a sabbatical year before considering management. “I think in the future, yes, but for now I prefer to take a sabbatical year,” he said.
On Monday, August 17, Busquets was officially named the new assistant coach at Barca Atletic. He will join the staff of head coach Juliano Belletti while working to complete his UEFA coaching licences.
Sergio Busquets returns to Barcelona to begin his coaching journey
Barca Atletic serves not as La Masia’s youth academy but as FC Barcelona’s official “B team,” competing in Spain’s Fourth Division, the Segunda Federación, and aiming to climb back after previously residing in the second tier.
Throughout a career spanning Barcelona, the Spain national team and Inter Miami, Busquets collected an astounding 37 trophies, establishing himself as the tactical engine of every side he played for.
Barcelona’s coaching heritage
Barcelona’s long‑standing incubator of modern tactics, inspired by Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola, has seen dozens of former players transition to management, many of whom shared the locker room with Messi.
- Xavi Hernandez
- Thierry Henry
- Cesc Fabregas
- Rafael Marquez
- Juliano Belletti
- Thiago Motta
- Giovanni van Bronckhorst
- Sylvinho
- Mark van Bommel
- Víctor Valdés
- Gabriel Milito
- Javier Mascherano
- Arda Turan
- Thiago Alcántara
- Yaya Touré
- Henrik Larsson
- Eiður Guðjohnsen
Busquets now faces the task of completing his UEFA badges while helping Barca Atletic achieve promotion, a challenge that will test his nascent coaching credentials.