THIAGO ALCANTARA has left his coaching role at Barcelona after a one-month stint in Spain.
Thiago, 33, was suddenly forced into early retirement due to recurring injuries this summer.
Spanish outlet Marca claimed the former midfielder will now likely return to his Liverpool home.
Thiago must reportedly spend the rest of the year in the UK due to tax reasons related to his P45 at Anfield.
His deep knowledge of Barcelona and his fluency in German, after spending nine seasons at Bayern Munich, made him an ideal addition to Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.
The former Spain international undertook an internship under Flick to obtain his coaching licence.
He allegedly impressed those around him during his return and Flick has left the door open for the 33-year-old to return.
The pair previously worked together during their time at Bayern, where Flick was both assistant boss and manager.
Barca announced under-16 coach Arnau Blanco as Thiago’s replacement.
In addition to working under Pep Guardiola, he has also been with Jurgen Klopp, Flick and Carlo Ancelotti.
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Thiago spent four years with Liverpool, making 98 appearances despite persistent injury issues.
Prior to his retirement, he had been linked with a return to Barcelona on a free transfer this summer.
He previously spent eight years with the club after coming through Barca’s fabled academy.
Thiago went on to make 100 first-team appearances before joining Bayern in 2013.
Following seven years in Germany, he signed for Liverpool in 2020 but has always struggled with injuries.
Despite that, Thiago won 32 major trophies across his spells with the three clubs.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
