Thiago is reportedly “keen” on a return to Liverpool as part of Andoni Iraola‘s coaching staff, but no approaches have been made over an appointment yet.
Liverpool journalist David Lynch explained on Monday that the club are expected to add a former player to Iraola’s new backroom staff.
That has led to speculation over the likes of James Milner, Steven Gerrard or Adam Lallana rejoining the club, but most prominent has been Thiago.
Spanish sources claimed on Monday evening that the 35-year-old was set for talks over a position on Iraola’s team, having left his role as Barcelona assistant last month.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 28, 2026: Liverpool's Thiago Alcântara during the LFC Foundation match between Liverpool FC Legends and Borussia Dortmund Legends at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
But Merseyside reporters downplayed claims over approaches to former players at this stage in a wider brief on Tuesday morning.
However, the Telegraph‘s Dominic King writes that Thiago is “said to be keen” on a job at Liverpool, which could indicate a move will be in the offing.
The Guardian‘s Andy Hunter explains that the club “have not made any approaches to further additions to their coaching staff” as “those moves will only be made once talks with Iraola reach the final stages.”
Iraola is reported to have already reached an agreement in principle, though, which suggests the situation will now be more advanced.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Friday, March 20, 2026: Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola and assistants Shaun Cooper (left) and Tommy Elphick (right) during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Bournemouth assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper are set to follow Iraola to Anfield along with long-serving fitness coach Pablo de la Torre.
But with Cooper’s remit expected to include set-pieces – a position that had been earmarked for Etienne Reijnen prior to Arne Slot‘s sacking – there is likely to still be a vacancy for former player like Thiago or Milner.
Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast during his time representing Liverpool Legends in March, Thiago expressed his concern that “players are losing the freedom,” which informs his style of coaching.
Thiago’s coaching philosophy: ‘Young players need freedom’
“We have to encourage young players to enjoy themselves. They have to play in a state of flow,” the Spaniard said.
“Spain is very tactical – we have to do this, this and that – and players are losing the freedom, I think.
“I think in very specific moments tactics or set-pieces are great, but then when you face the best players on earth, they’re the best players because, one-on-one, they eat you.
“So when you lose that from a player, this kid you have inside, ‘I want to challenge someone and beat him’, [it is a shame].”