Thiago Alcantara returns! Ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder starts working with Marcus Rashford & Co on first day back at Barcelona

Thiago has officially began work at Barcelona as a first-team assistant coach to Flick. The 34-year-old, who previously starred for Barca before winning titles with Bayern Munich and Liverpool, was spotted at the club’s facilities earlier this week and joined the players on the pitch in his new role. He will be responsible for tactical preparation, planning training sessions and providing his vision to support the squad’s daily work. His first day back at the club coincided with the return of the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo and Roony Bardghji from international duty.

The Catalan giants officially welcomed Thiago back into the fold with a statement confirming his new role on Flick’s coaching staff. 

"First official day on the job for Thiago Alcántara as a member of the coaching staff. The former blaugrana player started work on the grass today as a member of the first team coaching staff as an assistant coach to Hansi Flick. His role will involve helping with tactical aspects and preparing training sessions, among other things, bringing his experience and vision of the game to enrich the squad's day to day work," the club announced.

The Spaniard's return is a symbolic and strategic move as Barca undergo a rebuild under Flick. A La Masia product with Champions League pedigree, he blends deep knowledge of the club’s style with an understanding of Flick’s high-pressing system, having worked with him at Bayern during their historic sextuple campaign in 2019-20. His presence also serves as a bridge for younger talents like Pedri and Gavi, who have previously praised his guidance, while his fluency in German strengthens communication across the squad.

With Thiago now embedded in the coaching staff, Barcelona shift focus to Sunday’s home clash against Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. Flick will use the remaining sessions this week to fine-tune tactics, with Thiago actively involved in preparations as the club aim to secure their first home win of the new campaign and bounce back from their 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.