Former Barcelona midfielder playing a crucial role as part of Hansi Flick’s staff

Hansi Flick’s arrival, as expected, has brought significant changes in the intensity of training at Barcelona.

The German coach has gotten down to business from day one and is making the players sweat it out ahead of the new campaign.

The big hurdle expected in Flick’s start to life in Catalonia, however, was the language barrier. The arrival of Thiago Alcantara, albeit unofficially, has bridged that gap.

A Protagonist in the Shadows

The former La Masia star retired from football just weeks ago but has not taken any time off to disconnect from the game.

Barcelona has not officially announced Thiago’s arrival as a new member of Flick’s squad, but the midfield maestro has been with the team from day one of pre-season.

As revealed in a recent update on SPORT, Thiago’s command of German, English, and Spanish has helped him perfectly fit into his new role in Catalonia.

Thiago is already helping Flick & co. (Photo by MIGUEL A. LOPES/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Acting as an intermediary between the new manager and players, he is helping with communication both ways while also providing input from his experience.

A Short Stint

Thiago did not appear in the photo of Flick’s staff, nor has he explicitly appeared in any of the club’s videos as a protagonist in training.

Needless to say, the reason behind the club’s secrecy in the matter could be linked to the former Liverpool star’s preference for a short stint.

Thiago does not wish to commit to the role in the medium or long term, preferring to keep the door open to any opportunities that may arise in the coming months.

What is clear, however, is that he is currently one of the most important members of Barcelona’s coaching staff.