Thiago Alcantara has almost immediately landed a new job after announcing his retirement from football. He will join the coaching staff at Barcelona.

Thiago joins new coach Hansi Flick’s coaching staff at Barcelona

On July 8, Thiago Alcantara officially announced his retirement at the age of 33. At an age when many players are still capable of playing at the top level in modern football, Thiago’s decision to retire has caused regret for those who love him. However, persistent injuries have long been the biggest enemy in the talented midfielder’s peak career. Last season, Thiago only played once for Liverpool in all competitions due to a hip injury. Therefore, he decided to hang up his boots.

 

Just 20 days after retiring from football, Thiago took the next step. He remained close to the round ball when he became an assistant coach to new coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona. This is where Thiago grew up. He played for Barcelona B from 2008 to 2011, before officially being promoted to the first team and helping the Catalan giants win the La Liga – Champions League double in the 2010-11 season.

Thiago left Camp Nou in 2013 and moved to Bayern Munich. Here, he worked with Hansi Flick as a coach and student in the 2019-20 peak season, when Thiago was a key player in the historic treble. Now, he will reunite with his old coach at his old home Barcelona in a different position. However, initially, Thiago will not be signed on a long-term basis. He will have a pre-season to show his ability during Barcelona’s summer tour.

Thiago was once Flick’s student at Bayern Munich

If the board of directors appreciates Thiago’s learning process and experience accumulation, he will most likely stay on to officially become Flick’s assistant. The reason Flick “created conditions” for his former student to go to Barcelona to study is because he sees Thiago as having leadership qualities and a sharp football mind. In addition, Thiago is also fluent in both German and Spanish and will be a bridge in work for Flick in the early stages of working at the Nou Camp.

In a recent development, Barcelona has decided to give the number 19 shirt to young star Lamine Yamal next season. This is the number that Messi wore at the beginning of his career and Yamal now inherits it. Notably, in the Euro 2024, when he was on fire with the Spanish team, 19 was also Yamal’s shirt number. In the 2023-24 season, Yamal wore the number 27 shirt when he was first promoted to the Barcelona first team.