Iniesta’s Heart in Two Camps: Watching Barca v. Alavés with a Torn Heart
3 February 2026
Iniesta's Split Heart Ahead of Barca v Alaves
Barca legend Andres Iniesta will watch his former club face Alaves tonight in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal with a mix of joy and sadness.
The Albacete-born midfielder told Catalunya Radio that his heart is split: both are his teams.
According to Mundo Deportivo, it is a great day for Alaves and the city dreaming of an exceptional achievement.
He warned that if Barcelona keep their level, they will advance, but anything can happen in a single game.
Alaves had stunned Real Madrid in the last 16, beating them 3-2, and now they dream to keep the run going against Barca.
Despite spending most of his career at Barcelona, Iniesta never wore an Alaves shirt; he said it would have been nice, but things do not always go as we dream because of different circumstances.
He also stressed his emotional ties to both clubs: I am from there, I grew up there, Barca and Alaves are my two teams.
Pedri's praise for Iniesta's influence made him very proud: when Pedri says I was his idol, that is truly meaningful.
Iniesta believes such cross-generational dialogue defines the club, and players should feel admiration for those who lived these moments. That is what makes Barca special.
He confessed that watching the current Barcelona squad remains a joy: it is a pleasure to watch them.
Looking ahead, Iniesta said he plans to begin a coaching career: yes, that is what motivates him now. He is preparing and wants to pursue it as well as he can.
However, he does not see himself returning to Barca in the near future, not on the bench nor in the sporting staff: perhaps he will arrive after fifteen years due to age.
In closing, he added I wont make long-term plans. I am working on getting my coaching license and for now we are here; we will see what happens after summer.
Punchline 1: If emotions counted as goals, Iniesta would be top scorer in the league of heartbreak.
Punchline 2: He will coach Barca someday, as soon as his clipboard stops asking for autographs.
