Thiago Alcantara walks out on Barcelona one month after being given coaching role as Blaugrana reveal ex-Liverpool star's replacement

The ex-Spain international, who has seen persistent injury problems force him into retirement at just 33 years of age, returned to Catalunya after hanging up his boots at Anfield. He was invited to join the backroom staff of new Blaugrana boss Hansi Flick.

Thiago is a product of the famed La Masia academy system and took in over 100 appearances for Barca before linking up with German giants Bayern. He was considered to be a shrewd addition to Flick’s team, with an immediate impact made on the training field.

It has, however, been revealed that his time back at Barca will be brought to a close after a matter of weeks. His replacement has already been lined up, with the Liga giants saying in a statement on the club’s official website: “Arnau Blanco, until now the coach of the FC Barcelona U16A team, joins Hansi Flick's coaching team in place of Thiago Alcántara who today, Friday August 16, has his last day with the squad. The Catalan born coach has worked within the Barça youth system for the last 11 seasons and will take over Thiago Alcantara's role. The club continues to show its commitment to the professional development of coaches at FC Barcelona.”

Thiago, who only managed one appearance for Liverpool last season, must now decide what to do next. He is eager to remain in coaching, but a completely fresh start may be required after walking away from Barca for a second time in his career.