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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Alcantara is a La Masia product</li><li>Has returned to Barca for a short stint</li><li>Will help Flick in communicating with the Spanish players</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Thiago is back at Barcelona! Midfielder joins Hansi Flick's coaching staff after announcing retirement following Liverpool exit

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Despite <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/thiago-alcantara-hangs-up-his-boots-former-barcelona-and-bayern-star-to-retire-from-football-after-liverpool-exit/bltcca88865f731d08e" target="_blank">retiring only a few weeks ago</a>, Thiago has wasted no time in immersing himself in his new role. He joined Flick’s squad on the very first day of pre-season and will have a short stint with the Catalan club. As a former player under Flick at Bayern Munich, Thiago understands the coach's philosophy and methods. Whereas, his deep connection with Barcelona, having come through the ranks at La Masia and subsequently making 101 appearances for the first team, makes him the ideal candidate to help the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/hansi-flick-problems-barcelona-cant-register-new-boss-financial-blunder/blt38911450cd76fd66" target="_blank">German manager settle into his new surroundings</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

One of the main challenges anticipated with Flick’s transition to Barcelona is the language barrier. Flick, who does not speak fluent Spanish or English, faces communication hurdles. Hence, Thiago, who is fluent in German, English, and Spanish, will play a crucial role in easing this transition. He will act as an intermediary, facilitating effective communication between Flick and the players, and ensuring that the new manager's strategies and instructions are conveyed and understood.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona confirmed Thiago’s appointment in an official statement that read: "Having recently called time on his playing career at the age of 33, Thiago Alcántara is set to spend the coming weeks as part of Hansi Flick's staff in order to train as a coach. The former player is expected to remain with the men's football first team squad for the entire summer, and therefore, will be on the US tour. The midfielder came through La Masia and he and the new Blaugrana coach formed a close relationship during the single season that both were at Bayern Munich, when they won the treble."

WHAT BARCELONA SAID

Thiago's tenure at Liverpool was marred by injuries, limiting his impact on the team. Over four seasons, he made 98 appearances but managed only one game in his final season due to persistent injuries. Following the expiration of his contract on June 30, Thiago decided to retire from professional football.

DID YOU KNOW?

Thiago's return to Barcelona marks the beginning of a new chapter in his football career. It remains to be seen if the Spanish star takes up a coaching job elsewhere after this stint with Barcelona.

WHAT NEXT FOR THIAGO?

Thiago is back at Barcelona! Midfielder joins Hansi Flick's coaching staff after announcing retirement following Liverpool exit | Goal.com United Arab Emirates

Thiago Alcantara is back at Barcelona as the former Liverpool midfielder has joined Hansi Flick&apos;s coaching staff after announcing his retirement.