Hansi Flick arrived in Barcelona joined by a significant entourage, while one joined in the "shadow": Thiago Alcántara. The former footballer was a special request from the coach to adapt to the team and accepted the position for a short period of time. Due to some tax issues, the Spaniard had to finish the year in the United Kingdom, making it impossible for him to continue at Barça until the campaign ended.
Everyone assumed that Thiago Alcántara would return to Barça starting January 1, but this is something that hasn't happened yet. We are in mid-February, and it seems that his return to Hansi Flick's staff is ruled out... at least for now. This is the information conveyed by the Catalunya Ràdio podcast, "Barça Reservat".
Journalist Laia Tudel has spoken about this, stating: "Thiago Alcántara can't occupy an assistant spot on the bench because he doesn't have a coaching license. He hopes to help Barça, and Hansi Flick would like that too... but the pieces need to fit together".
In this regard, she continued: "We'll see if they fit together next season. He is living in Barcelona and is seen playing beach soccer and going to the gym at 7 a.m. There, he meets Marcus Sorg, one of Flick's assistants. We'll see if he finds a fit later on, but at least this season, his return won't happen".
Thiago Alcántara, Return to Barça "On Hold"
Although both parties would be delighted to reunite, the reality is that it seems Thiago Alcántara's situation is going to take a while. The first thing he needs is to get his coaching license, and then the doors will be open for his return. At Barça, everyone would be thrilled to bring him back, but for now, the decision has been made not to change anything.
So far, there is total calm, and it is not ruled out that the former footballer could join Hansi Flick's staff for the next season. Barça's coach would be delighted, and it is a personal request he has made, knowing that Thiago can contribute a lot to his technical team.
The reality is this: Barça wants Thiago Alcántara, and he wants to return, but so far, it hasn't happened. There is time ahead, and everything seems to indicate that this union will happen again, although it hasn't been possible until now.