Why did Thiago leave FC Barcelona coaching role after just one month?

Just a few weeks after being hired as a coach, Thiago Alcantara, a former midfielder for Bayern Munich and Liverpool, broke off his relationship with FC Barcelona. After hanging up his playing shoes at Anfield, the former Spain international—whose ongoing injury issues forced him into retiring at the young age of 33—returned to Catalunya. He received an invitation to work in the backroom under the new Blaugrana leader, Hansi Flick.

Thiago, who attended the renowned La Masia academy, played for Barcelona for more than a century before joining German powerhouse Bayern Munich. He made an instant impression on the practicing field and was seen as a wise addition to Hansi Flick's squad.

But, it has surfaced that his return to FC Barcelona may come to an end in a few short weeks. He hasn't given the club or himself a cause for leaving as of yet. According to a statement posted on the team's official website, the La Liga giants have already lined up a replacement for him.

The statement said, “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 Alcantara's role. The club continues to show its commitment to the professional development of coaches at FC Barcelona.”

Hansi Flick comments on Thiago Alcantara’s departure

Hansi Flick also commented on this issue as he said, “We have an excellent relationship since when he played in Munich. When he was in Liverpool, we were in touch. We called each other when he finished his career and I told him that 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.”