Iniesta's team, Gulf United, lost 4-3 to Dibba Al Fujairah in their second match of the tournament, with the winning goal scored in extra time. The defeat marked a disappointing start to Iniesta's coaching career, which he had been preparing for by completing his academic qualifications and aiming to obtain the UEFA Pro license.
The Gulf United team, founded in 2019, is based in Dubai and focuses on developing young footballers, a strategy that aligns with Iniesta's vision as a coach. Iniesta's first match as a coach showed the challenges he will face, with his team struggling to maintain a lead and ultimately succumbing to a dramatic defeat.
Iniesta's coaching career follows a successful playing career, which included 16 seasons at Barcelona, where he won 32 titles, including nine La Liga championships and four Champions League titles. He also won the World Cup with Spain in 2010. After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta played in Japan for five seasons, winning two titles with Vissel Kobe. He later played in the UAE, announcing his retirement in 2024.
Iniesta's next match as a coach will be crucial in determining the direction of his team's season.