BARCELONA
Why has Thiago Alcântara already left as Barcelona assistant coach after less than a month?
The former Liverpool midfielder was part of Hansi Flick’s coaching team for Barça’s preseason US Tour but has left the club before LaLiga starts.
Thiago Alcântara has left his position as assistant head coach to Hansi Flick at Barcelona, less than a month after rejoining his former club. The former Barça midfielder, who left Premier League club Liverpool and retired from playing in the summer, had only signed a short-term deal with the LaLiga giants but has failed to see it through to its conclusion.
Thiago’s role at Barcelona
The 33-year-old was invited to join Flick’s staff to train as a coach earlier this summer, signing a contract through to September on July 17. As the former Germany manager gears up for his first season in Catalonia, he was keen to have a fluent German-speaker on his coaching team, as well as someone who knows the ins and outs of the club.
Thiago spent seven seasons playing for Bayern Munich after leaving Barcelona in 2013, and worked under Flick during the 2019/20 season. Despite having no experience as a coach, the ex-Spanish international was also given an important role during training, especially in relation to possession play.
Former Barça midfielder working towards coaching badges
Thiago was part of Barcelona’s coaching staff on their preseason tour of the United States, which concluded on August 6. His time with La Blaugrana ends on Friday, with his short spell working as Flick’s assistant helping him work towards obtaining his coaching badges.
The former Liverpool man’s role will be taken over by Arnau Blanco, who was previously the coach of Barça’s Cadete A team (for 14 and 15-year-olds).
Despite Thiago leaving his role earlier than expected, Flick and the rest of his team have reportedly been very impressed with what they have seen from him, and have left the door open for him to return once he has his coaching badges, which is expected to happen in a few months.
Barcelona start the 2024/25 LaLiga season with an away game against Valencia on Saturday, August 17 (kickoff at 3:30 pm ET). The 2022/23 champions finished 10 points behind last season’s winners, Real Madrid.