Thiago Alcantara leaves first coaching role days after winning league title
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesThiago AlcântaraFormer Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara steps away from his first coaching job with Barcelona just days after winning the La Liga title, despite being key to its successThiago will leave Barcelona's coaching staff this summerFC Barcelona is set to part ways with Thiago Alcantara as he departs Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.The former La Masia graduate initially joined Flick’s backroom team following the German coach’s arrival in summer 2024, but stepped away after a brief spell before being reintroduced as an assistant coach in November at Flick’s request.In his role, Thiago worked closely on tactical development, with a particular focus on midfield preparation and training-ground planning, before his latest exit brings his short coaching stint in Barcelona to a close. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott immediately mocked Aston Villa transfer after Europa League success.READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Arne Slot future, Alisson boost, World Cup squadREAD MORE: Arne Slot responds to Mohamed Salah statement with clear message before BrentfordIn addition, Thiago is set to focus on a new role as a board member at his hometown club CE L’Hospitalet, which is co-owned by former Jordi Alba.His strong understanding of positional play, combined with familiarity with Barcelona’s methodology and Hansi Flick’s coaching approach, along with his elite playing experience, had made him a highly valued presence within the staff during his tenure.He is not the first member of Flick's team and almost certainly won't be the last.
Barcelona analyst Stephan Nopp is also set to leave the coaching staff this summer.The departure comes amid speculation that Flick is also considering bringing in a new fitness coach, following a season in which Barcelona was hit by a series of injuries to several key players, raising concerns over squad durability and conditioning.Content cannot be displayed without consentFlick was asked about the departure ahead of the final game of the season during his press conference on Friday, and the German coach was full of praise for his former player.Flick highlighted their long-standing relationship, noting that the pair first became acquainted during their time together at Bayern Munich, where their professional bond was first formed.“I told the staff and the players about my relationship with Thiago" said Flick. I changed the playing philosophy a bit, but his attitude, his mentality, and the way he acted were incredible.“And that’s what I appreciate about working with him.
He’s helped me a lot here at Barca, and in the last two years, he’s been incredible. We’ll miss him, but I understand he has his own plans, and that’s good.