Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara steps away from his first coaching job with Barcelona just days after winning the La Liga title, despite being key to its success
12:56, 22 May 2026
Liverpool Legends' midfielder Thiago Alcantara during the Legends football match between Liverpool Legends and Dortmund Legends
Thiago will leave Barcelona's coaching staff this summer
FC Barcelona is set to part ways with Thiago Alcantara as he departs Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.
The former La Masia graduate initially joined Flick’s backroom team following the German coach’s arrival in summer 2024, but stepped away after a brief spell before being reintroduced as an assistant coach in November at Flick’s request.
In his role, Thiago worked closely on tactical development, with a particular focus on midfield preparation and training-ground planning, before his latest exit brings his short coaching stint in Barcelona to a close. According to Jijantes, Thiago is stepping away for personal reasons and officially said his goodbyes during Friday morning training ahead of the final game of the season against Valencia. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott immediately mocked Aston Villa transfer after Europa League success.
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Arne Slot future, Alisson boost, World Cup squadREAD MORE: Arne Slot responds to Mohamed Salah statement with clear message before Brentford
In addition, Thiago is set to focus on a new role as a board member at his hometown club CE L’Hospitalet, which is co-owned by former Jordi Alba.
His strong understanding of positional play, combined with familiarity with Barcelona’s methodology and Hansi Flick’s coaching approach, along with his elite playing experience, had made him a highly valued presence within the staff during his tenure.
He is not the first member of Flick's team and almost certainly won't be the last. Barcelona analyst Stephan Nopp is also set to leave the coaching staff this summer.
The departure comes amid speculation that Flick is also considering bringing in a new fitness coach, following a season in which Barcelona was hit by a series of injuries to several key players, raising concerns over squad durability and conditioning.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Flick was asked about the departure ahead of the final game of the season during his press conference on Friday, and the German coach was full of praise for his former player.
Article continues below
Flick highlighted their long-standing relationship, noting that the pair first became acquainted during their time together at Bayern Munich, where their professional bond was first formed.
“I told the staff and the players about my relationship with Thiago" said Flick. "When I was an assistant at Bayern and then became head coach, one of the first things I had to do was bench Thiago, and it wasn’t easy for either of us because he was a world-class player. I changed the playing philosophy a bit, but his attitude, his mentality, and the way he acted were incredible.
“And that’s what I appreciate about working with him. He has a top-level attitude and is amazing. He’s helped me a lot here at Barca, and in the last two years, he’s been incredible. We’ll miss him, but I understand he has his own plans, and that’s good. I hope he can come back someday because we need men like him in this business"