'Decided': Former Liverpool player now set to take on permanent coaching role with Barcelona - Fabrizio Romano
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Liverpool supporters never truly saw the best of Thiago Alcantara throughout four injury-plagued seasons at Anfield.
Thiago arrived as one of the best and most coveted midfielders in world football, and certainly had his moments with the Reds.
But there remains a feeling that injuries robbed Liverpool of watching a special player strut his stuff on Merseyside.
Fitness problems also contributed to Thiago prematurely calling time on his playing career in 2024.
The Spaniard was forced to retire aged just 33 having played only once in his final season with Liverpool.
Technically brilliant and having played under some phenomenal managers, there has been a feeling that Thiago could be an exceptional coach.
And it seems the 34-year-old is now ready to begin his journey on the touchline.
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
He may not have spent the best part of his career with Liverpool, but Thiago will always be fondly remembered at Anfield nonetheless.
You could not blame the former Spain international for feeling he has some unfinished business with the Reds, and maybe we’ll see him back as a coach at some point in the future.
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Before then, Thiago is returning to another of his former clubs.
He joined Barcelona temporarily as part of Hansi Flick’s staff last summer, and after taking a year off, Fabrizio Romano reports that Thiago is now set to become a permanent coach at the Camp Nou.
“Thiago Alcantara has decided to return as part of Hansi Flick’s staff at Barcelona,” Romano posts on X.
“Understand he might be back already from next week if all goes to plan, but the agreement is 100% done.
“Decision made and comeback imminent.”
Thiago heading back to Barca looks like a smart move from the former midfielder, as he looks to earn his stripes as a coach.
There’s no question that he has an abundance of knowledge to pass on.
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic said Thiago was giving him ‘daily lessons‘ on how to improve as a player during their time together.
And while he was never the most vocal player in the world, Thiago was always a popular member of the Liverpool squad who really led by example.
He could certainly make it as a head coach.
Comparisons can be drawn between the former Liverpool No.
6 and Xabi Alonso, whom he played alongside at Bayern Munich.
Alonso benefitted from being coached by some of the best in the game, and has taken that into his career as a manager.
And given that Thiago can name Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Vincente del Bosque and Jurgen Klopp amongst his former bosses, he has had a similarly stellar education.