Former Liverpool star ‘is set to join Barcelona as part of Hansi Flick’s coaching set-up’ next month
- The ex-Spanish midfielder hung up his football boots at the end of last season
- He reunites with the manager under whom he won the Champions League title
It appears a former Liverpool star will feature in Barcelona’s coaching set-up in the new year.
The player in question hung up his boots at the end of last season and chose to spend time on a decorated playing career after the expiry of his contract at Anfield.
But instead of leaving football behind completely, the famed midfield maestro has embarked on a career as a coach.
And after spending time in the Barca dugout during their summer tour of the United States, Thiago Alcantara looks set for a permanent reunion with the club where it all started.
The 33-year-old is expected to join Hansi Flick’s staff next month Marca.
This comes after Thiago impressed the Blaugrana hierarchy during his summer spell, with his co-existence with Flick and the first team seen as beneficial for all parties.
Thiago Alcantara was a striking face in the Barcelona dug-out last summer
Thiago made just one appearance for Liverpool in his final season as persistent injury problems forced the Spaniard into retirement
Thiago ended his career with almost everything there was to win, earning league titles in Spain and Germany and winning the Champions League twice.
Thiago’s initial tenure at Barcelona was short-lived, with the club announcing that his duties would be carried out by veteran La Masia coach Arnau Blanco upon his departure in August.
It is understood that Thiago’s return will not mean the end of Blanco’s involvement with the first team, who has amazed Barca bosses with his excellent work since taking on the role.
The ex-Spanish international has a long-standing relationship with Flick dating back to their days at Bayern Munich, with Thiago playing a key role in securing a Bundesliga and Champions League double in 2020 under his tutelage.
Thiago made his move to Liverpool the following summer and became a fan favorite on Merseyside as he added an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup to his list of accolades.
However, Thiago was plagued by injury problems during his Reds spell and after playing just five minutes in the 2023/24 season, the midfielder opted to retire at the end of the season.
He now appears to be in line for a return to the club where he made his professional debut and first made his mark in European football for Barcelona between 2009 and 2013.
Thiago will be hoping to keep the club on course for a 28th LaLiga title, with the club sitting well at the top of the table after 18 games.
