Barcelona consider re-hiring former player who left coaching role in the summer - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly considering re-hiring Thiago Alcantara in a coaching role. He joined Hansi Flick's coaching staff in mid-July after announcing his retirement from the sport this summer.
Thiago, as per beIN Sport, left the following month after completing his internship under Flick and obtaining a coaching license. It was reportedly already agreed upon that he would leave after completing the required hours for a license.
Now, Barca, as per Relevo journalist Alex Pintanel (via @ReshadFCB on X), want to appoint Thiago in a coaching capacity once again. He is apparently well-versed in German, having spent seven years at Bayern Munich — Flick's former club.
The Spaniard is also well aware of the Barca DNA, having spent eight years at Camp Nou after joining La Masia in 2005. He registered 11 goals and 20 assists in a century of senior games for the Catalan giants, winning 12 trophies.
The 33-year-old was widely regarded as one of the most technical midfielders in his heyday, and hardly had a chink in his armor. It remains to be seen where he will fit in Flick's coaching set-up if Barcelona rehire him, given he was replaced by Arnau Blanco as the German's assistant last month.
Barcelona coaching target 'grateful' for trophy-laden career; his statement hinted at future coaching role
Thiago Alcantara hung up his boots this summer after his contract expired at Liverpool. He made 98 appearances across competitions for the Reds, scoring thrice and making six assists, but played just six minutes in the league last season due to injuries.
The seven-time Bundesliga winner took to X in July and put out a statement that hinted that he wanted to give back to the sport in some capacity. It read (via the Guardian):
"I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it. Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way. See you soon, Thiago."
As mentioned previously, Thiago went on to join Barcelona in a coaching capacity later that month before vacating the role in mid-August. He won a staggering 32 trophies during his career, including two UEFA Champions League titles, and earned 46 caps for the Spanish national team.