Chapter 17: Iniesta’s Psychological Struggles

In the two warm-up matches in London, Notts County could only be described as disappointing. Both Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace, teams from the English Championship—effectively quasi-Premier League teams—defeated them with ease. The results highlighted how much work was still needed for Notts County to find its rhythm.

However, the games were not without their positives. The veteran striker Hubner continued to impress, taking advantage of limited opportunities to score and proving himself as the team's most reliable presence on the field. Meanwhile, the midfield, led by Xabi Alonso, showed glimpses of control and composure. Although Alonso had yet to master the art of dictating the game's tempo, his ability to shift the rhythm was a marked improvement compared to the typical frenetic pace of most English teams. This adaptability was precisely what manager Löw sought.

After returning from London, the team resumed intensive technical and tactical training. To accelerate their progress, the players endured up to three training sessions a day. Despite their visible exhaustion, the steady improvement in their collective strength motivated them to push through the grueling schedule.

A Private Conversation

As assistant coach, David often found himself acting as more than just a strategist; he sometimes played the role of a psychological counselor. One evening after training, David heard a knock at his office door. It was Iniesta, looking hesitant and uneasy.

David smiled warmly, motioning for the young Spaniard to sit on the sofa. To David, Iniesta—still only 17 years old—was a far cry from the composed and artistic maestro he had envisioned on the pitch.

"Andrés, what's on your mind? Is there something I can help you with?" David asked, his tone gentle.

For the foreign players recruited over the summer, the club had arranged apartments near the training ground and provided English lessons to help them adapt. Despite these efforts, David understood that living in a foreign country posed challenges, especially for someone as young as Iniesta.

Taking a deep breath, Iniesta finally spoke. "Mr. David," he began hesitantly, "I'm not sure how to say this, but I'm struggling. The physicality here is overwhelming. Every game feels like a battle, and I'm constantly worried about getting hurt. I don't think I can play like this for five or six years."

To emphasize his point, Iniesta rolled up his pant leg, revealing bruises covering his calves. His apprehension was evident, and it took David by surprise. He hadn't anticipated that fear of physical confrontation would be an issue for Iniesta.

David's smile didn't waver. "You're not wrong, Andrés. English football is intense and physically demanding. But what do you think is the best way forward?"

Iniesta's voice softened. "I think I'd be better off returning to Spain. The style of football there relies more on technique and teamwork. I feel it suits me better."

David nodded thoughtfully. "Your concerns are valid. Injuries are part of the game, and the risk here might be higher. But no league is completely free of physical challenges or injuries. As a professional player, you have to be prepared for these realities."

He leaned forward, meeting Iniesta's eyes. "Even if you went back to Spain, what would you do when your team faced an English club in the Champions League or the UEFA Cup? Would you avoid playing because of the physicality? Would you ask your coach to excuse you because you were afraid?"

Iniesta looked away, unsure how to respond. David continued, his tone steady but firm. "Avoidance is not the answer. Think about those players who have faced serious injuries and fought their way back to the game. Their determination and resilience define them. I believe you can be that kind of player too."

A Turning Point

David shifted to a lighter tone. "Maybe you should have a chat with David Villa. He's also Spanish, and as a striker, he faces even more physical confrontation than you do. Yet he finds a way to deal with it. He might have some advice for you."

David's words seemed to resonate. After leaving the office, Iniesta appeared deep in thought. Though David remained worried, he knew pushing the young midfielder too hard might backfire. If Iniesta couldn't overcome his fear, David was prepared to loan him back to Spain, ensuring his development wouldn't stagnate.

To David's relief, Iniesta's actions spoke louder than words. The very next day, after training, Iniesta headed straight to the gym for extra strength work. He seemed determined to face his fears head-on, choosing resilience over retreat.

Whether or not Iniesta had sought advice from Villa no longer mattered. What mattered was that he had taken the first step toward overcoming his psychological barrier. For David, keeping hold of this future World Cup Final MVP was a victory in itself.