“I love to help new players” - Thiago Alcantara opens up coaching stint at Barcelona after Liverpool exit
Former Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara has opened up on his stint as an assistant coach under Hansi Flick at boyhood club FC Barcelona. The 33-year-old, who announced his retirement in July, returned to football almost immediately in a coaching role with the Catalan giants.
Thiago plied his trade for three European powerhouses - Barca (2009-13), Bayern Munich (2013-20), and Liverpool (2020-24) - in a stellar 15-year career. Despite being considered by many as one of the best midfielders in the world at one point, his recurring injury problems sidelined him for over 350 games through his career.
The Spaniard's nagging hip injury forced him into an early retirement in the summer. However, Barcelona came calling for his services as an assistant to their newly appointed German tactician Flick.
Bizarrely, however, he departed Barca just one month after joining Flick's backroom staff, and is currently looking for his next venture. Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com about his experience at Camp Nou, Thiago said (via Tribal Football):
"I miss being around – being around the team and the locker room. I miss the competitive part of the game. But at the end, the decision (to retire) was forced by physical issues. But I’m just keeping fit and trying to play as much as I can with my friends, and trying to be alive in the game."
"Well, at the end I had the chance to get into football again, helping the coaching staff of Barcelona. I decided for the practical part, not for the theory – just because of the experience I had doing all these years in football and the kind of role I had in the team."
"I just want to pass it through to other players. I love to help new players as well, young players to develop under the coach. It was pretty good spirits," Thiago concluded.
Barcelona currently sit atop La Liga, with a perfect record of five wins in five games (17 goals scored, four conceded).
"One of the best times of my life" - Former Barcelona assistant coach Thiago Alcantara reflects on his spell at Liverpool
Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara fondly recalled his spell in Merseyside, calling it "one of the best times" of his life.
Speaking to the Reds' official website, the 33-year-old Spaniard said (via Liverpool.com):
"It’s always been a goal to be at this stadium not just as a player but also as a fan. I had the fortune — life gave me the chance — to be here for four years as a football player."
"I believe it was one of the best times of my life as well. Now I have the chance any time being such a warm welcome from the fans, and the players as well. It’s a pretty good time to be here," Thiago added.
The Spanish midfielder lifted three domestic trophies - an FA Cup, an EFL Cup and an FA Community Shield - during his four years at Liverpool.