Thiago Alcantara, a La Masia academy graduate, shocked the footballing world with his decision to retire from professional football at 33. For a player of such brilliance, football fans expected the Spaniard to showcase his eye-pleasing magnificence for at least a few years more.
However, as the midfielder had mentioned in his retirement post on Twitter, which read,
""I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it.""Thiago Alcantara(via Twitter)
It was somewhat clear that the Spaniard might look for a new role in football, inclined towards management. Having been coached by Pep Guardiola, Hansi Flick, and Jurgen Klopp, Thiago possesses a wide range of skills accustomed to every situation, making him an ideal person for managerial duties.
Thiago joins Hansi Flick's staff
Moreover, talks suggesting Barca contact the Spaniard to join Hansi Flick's staff had been going on till May. Things took a sharp turn when Thiago announced his retirement as a professional footballer on 7th July. The very next day, Barca insider Toni Juanmarti reported that Hansi Flick has been trying to convince Thiago Alcántara to be a part of his staff and that Thiago is also interested in returning to Barcelona.
Thiago's interest made it clear that he wanted to return to where it all had started. And the obvious happened, as recent reports from Toni Juanmarti suggest that Thiago Alcántara has given his approval to join Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.
With a new era beginning under Hansi Flick, Thiago's addition comes as the cherry on the cake as the Spaniard knows the club from the inside out, being familiar with the club's playing style. Moreover, Thiago would act as the perfect mediator between Hansi Flick and the squad as the duo, having already worked wonders at Bayern Munich, reunite to strengthen Barca's glory in European football.