We’re used to Thiago Alcantara being out of action as a player, but not so much a coach.
The former midfielder, who retired at the start of the summer, had since taken up a post on Hansi Flick‘s coaching staff at his old side Barcelona.
However, exactly four weeks later, on the eve of Barca’s LaLiga opener, it’s been announced that Thiago has left his post and been replaced by Cadet A coach Arnau Blanco.
Speculation is rife over the quick departure, but according to Radio Marca journalist Alejandro Segura, Thiago has had to return to Liverpool over a post-Brexit tax issue.
It’s not been ruled out that he could return to Flick’s staff in January for the second half of the season.
When asked about the departure in his pre-match press conference, Flick said: “We have had an excellent relationship since when he played in Munich. We called each other when he finished his career and I told him he would be an excellent coach.
“He has helped the team and is a great person. Now he is leaving and we have Arnau, from La Masia, who is also giving us a lot of support. I don’t know if he will return or not.”
Announcing the separation, Barcelona said in a 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.
“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.”
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