Barcelona have confirmed the temporary return of Thiago Alcantara as part of the club’s coaching staff.
The Catalan club said on Wednesday, July 17, that the former central midfielder would “gain experience” on Hansi Flick’s coaching staff over the pre-season.
The former Spain international, 33, announced his retirement from playing the game earlier this month following his exit from Liverpool.
The Athletic subsequently reported that Thiago and new Barcelona head coach Flick held talks regarding a return to the club for the former midfielder, who left to join Bayern Munich in 2013.
Welcome to the Barça fam, Thiago! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/noOXH8dsig
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 17, 2024
Thiago was part of Bayern’s first-team squad that won the treble, including the Champions League, when Flick coached the team in the 2019-20 season.
The former midfielder made 101 first-team appearances for Barcelona after graduating through their La Masia academy, winning 10 senior trophies at the club including the 2013 Champions League trophy.
Thiago will form part of Flick’s coaching staff over the summer months but there is no commitment for him to remain at the club into the 2024-25 season.
GO DEEPER
The sadness of Thiago, the magician Liverpool never got to fully enjoy
(Simon Hofmann – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
