Thiago Alcantara: Ex-Liverpool star joins coaching staff just weeks after retirement

LaLiga giants Barcelona have confirmed that Thiago Alcântara, the 33-year-old former Spain international, has joined Hansi Flick's coaching staff after announcing his retirement from playing last week.

Thiago will play a key role in helping Flick adapt to the club's unique dynamics and will spend the coming weeks training as a coach.

"Thiago is set to spend the coming weeks as part of Hansi Flick's staff in order to train as a coach," a Barça statement said.

"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 U.S tour."

Thiago's familiarity with both the club and Flick will be invaluable, having come through La Masia, Barça's youth academy, and making 101 appearances for the first team before joining Bayern Munich in 2013.

He later played under Flick at Bayern, winning the treble in 2020. After a spell at Anfield, where injuries limited his appearances, Thiago announced his retirement after his contract expired on June 30.

Flick's staff also includes assistant coaches Marcus Sorg, Toni Tapalovic, and Heiko Westermann, while José Ramon De la Fuente remains as goalkeeping coach.