Barcelona announce addition of former Liverpool player to coaching staff | OneFootball

Barcelona have confirmed the return of former player Thiago Alcantara to the club as a first-team coach. The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder spent several weeks in preseason with the Blaugrana as part of Hansi Flick’s coaching staff last year, but has now decided on a permanent return.

Flick arrived last season with a largely inexperienced coaching staff when it came to Spanish football, consisting of former Bayern Munich goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic, assistant manager Marcus Sorg and coach Heiko Westermann, brought in partly for his ability to speak Spanish as a result of a spell with Real Betis. Thiago joined their ranks for some of the first weeks in charge under Flick, to smooth his adaptation to the club.

Flick was keen to have Thiago back at Barcelona

Thiago had to return to the United Kingdom for tax reasons following his retirement from Liverpool. He was also keen to have some time off and assess his options. The 34-year-old has decided to return though, encouraged by Flick. The German manager was keen to have Thiago back in order to take advantage of his experience of star dressing rooms, knowledge of the midfield position, and ability to connect with the younger players.

Thiago will not be involved on matchdays

According to MD, Thiago is expected to be involved only in Barcelona, and will not travel to away games with the team. The idea is that the majority of his work occurs on the training ground. Thiago enjoys a strong relationship with Flick, having performed his best under him at Bayern Munich. His knowledge of both Barcelona and Flick’s methods were thought to be in the latter calling on Thiago. The two even spent a portion of their holidays together this summer, with Flick and his partner visiting Thiago and his family at a house they have on the Costa Brava.