Thiago Alcantara already training with Barcelona as ex-Liverpool midfielder waits on contract to join Hansi Flick's coaching staff after retirement

Following a rather poor last stint with Liverpool, at the end of his contract, Thiago decided to call it a day on his career as a professional football. Following his retirement announcement, Barcelona quickly contacted the Spaniard to bring him over to join Flick's coaching staff to smooth the process of his takeover during the pre-season. He was spotted at the Barcelona training centre on Thursday evening as the players headed out for their first official training session of the season.

Barcelona are looking for Thiago to assist Flick and be a link between the German coach and the players. The duo are said to be very good friends from their time together at Bayern Munich and the Spaniard's fluency in German is believed to be key to providing the link between the coaching staff and the team.

Barcelona will now look to finalise the Spaniard's deal with the club as soon as possible and it is possible that his role could be a temporary one.