Thiago Alcantara has left Barcelona’s coaching staff, less than a month after the club announced his temporary return.
The former Spain international, 33, confirmed the end of his playing career in July following the expiration of his Liverpool contract.
Thiago subsequently joined Barcelona, where he began his career, to “gain experience” on Hansi Flick’s coaching staff over the pre-season, but there was no commitment for his coaching return to become permanent.
Arnau Blanco will replace Thiago for the 2024-25 as one of Flick’s assistant coaches, having previously coached the club’s Under-16 A team.
Flick, who replaced Xavi as Barcelona head coach this summer, has three assistant coaches Marcus Sorg, Toni Tapalovic and Heiko Westermann, while Barcelona’s physical training department is now headed up by Julio Tous.
Thiago was part of Bayern’s first-team squad that won the treble, including the Champions League, when Flick coached the team in the 2019-20 season.
The former midfielder made 101 first-team appearances for Barcelona after graduating through their La Masia academy, winning 10 senior trophies at the club including the 2013 Champions League trophy.
(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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