Official: Barcelona confirm new addition to Hansi Flick’s coaching staff

Former midfielder Thiago Alcantara has joined Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s coaching staff on a short-term basis, the club have officially confirmed.

The arrangement will only be on a short-term basis for the entirety of the summer clarify Barcelona, with Thiago using the stint as an experience to become a coach in the future.

“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 statement from the club read.

“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.”

Welcome to the Barça fam, Thiago! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/noOXH8dsig

Even before the official announcement, Thiago had already unofficially begun working with Flick and the Barcelona players.

The 33-year-old former La Masia protege, who announced his retirement earlier this month, has already become a crucial presence in the backroom staff owing to his command over German and Spanish languages as well as his familiarity with Flick and Barcelona.

Thiago’s role will ideally see him act as the conduit between the staff and the squad, ensuring effective communication of ideas and philosophies.

It will be interesting to see whether Thiago would be willing to extend the role for a longer period. For now, the former Barcelona midfielder returns as a coach on a short-term basis.