Barcelona have assembled their title challenge somewhat frantically this summer, with Dani Olmo arriving in mid-August and waiting a couple of weeks to be registered, with only Pau Victor for company in the inbox. In addition, Thiago Alcantara flew to Can Barca to help in the first weeks of Hansi Flick's spell, providing a language bridge between the German coach and the team.
On the eve of his debut in the league, it was announced that Thiago will leave his role, and will be replaced by the under 15 coach. Arnau Blanco. The 30-year-old has impressed early in his coaching career. Relief he spoke with his former president Carlos Cebrian, who promoted him from the under-14 side to the first team at Atletic Sant Just after just one year of work. Blanco earned the promotion in his only year with the team.
Marc Casadó and Raphinha were training in the gym today. @JijantesFC
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 27, 2024
Cebrian predicted that Blanco would be “in the elite in two or three years,” explaining that he communicates well.
“We always said that Barça had underused him. Because above all he has energy and communicates a lot. He is close (with the players) and at the same time demanding.”
One of his stars, Jan Gonzalez, at Athletic Sant Just had the following to say.
“Everyone we played with that year agreed that it was the season we enjoyed the most. The promotion was an addition. We enjoyed every task, every training session, seeing what happened next in the games… We left the training at 11 at night waiting for the next one. He is a born motivator.”
“You have to be in the right place and at the right level, but with her above all there is meritocracy. Someone arrives who deserves it on a personal and football level. It was a good fortune to meet him,” continued Gonzalez.
“You tell him to rest (laughs). It's incredible, I've never had this before. After the games, we tell him: OK, you can recover with treatment, he says no, he wants to be on the field. He's a great. professional, yes take care of yourself.” It's not normal.
Flick on Kounde. #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/40qvGhyRv1
— Football España (@footballespana_) September 27, 2024
One of the reasons that Blanco was given the job was because he could speak English with Hansi Flick, as Thiago did before him, but it is noted that his level of English is not necessarily perfect. The ex-Real Betis and Hamburg defender Heiko Westermann is mentioned as the best work in all languages.
It was reported that Thiago could return to Barcelona once his fiscal residency period ended in January, and it is not clear where to leave Blanco. However, if he makes as good an impression elsewhere, he could earn a spot on the coaching staff permanently.
