Ex-Liverpool star Thiago exits Barcelona a month after joining coaching staff

Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara's first venture into coaching is over already.

The 33-year-old announced his retirement from professional football earlier in the summer, not too long after leaving the Merseyside giants as a free agent due to his contract expiring at the end of June.

It did not take Thiago long to reveal his next move as he returned to boyhood club Barcelona, joining Hansi Flick's coaching staff following the appointment of the German tactician as the successor to Xavi Hernandez.

However, in a surprising turn of events, it has been confirmed that the Spaniard is leaving the Catalan outfit just a day before they begin their 2024/25 La Liga campaign against Valencia.

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Barcelona issue Thiago statement

"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," a statement reads via Barcelona's official website.

"The Catalan born coach has worked within the Barça youth system for the last 11 seasons and will take over Thiago Alcántara's role.

"The Club continues to show its commitment to the professional development of coaches at FC Barcelona."

Given this departure is rather unexpected, it remains to be seen what Thiago does next. Does he look for another coaching job or enjoy his retirement? Only time will tell as it's clear he still thinks he has something to offer behind the scenes.