Thiago’s departure from Liverpool marks the end of a frustrating final season for the midfielder. Despite his undeniable talent, injuries limited his playing time, resulting in just one appearance. With no new contract offered by Liverpool, Thiago and teammate Joel Matip are now free to explore offers from other clubs.
Already, there have been reports linking Thiago to potential moves to Saudi Arabia, Spain, and England. However, an unexpected opportunity has also emerged for the 33-year-old. Spanish publication AS claims that Barcelona is considering offering Thiago a role as part of their coaching staff.
Barcelona recently announced the sacking of Xavi and the appointment of former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick as his replacement. As part of this restructuring, the club is seeking an assistant coach who is fluent in both German and Spanish and can act as a direct link with the squad.
Thiago’s name has been mentioned as a potential candidate for this role. Barcelona’s technical director Deco is reportedly targeting a former player who is close to retiring, and Thiago, along with Marc Bartra and Javi Martinez, fits the bill. However, there is some skepticism within the club about Thiago’s willingness to take on such a position.
If Thiago were to consider the coaching role, it would mean an early end to his playing career. However, the prospect of becoming a player-coach presents an interesting proposition. Thiago possesses the language skills necessary for the job, being fluent in Spanish, German, English, Portuguese, and Catalan. Furthermore, he has a strong connection to Barcelona, having come through their academy.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp spoke highly of Thiago upon his departure, emphasizing the midfielder’s exceptional level of play when available. Klopp expressed his admiration for Thiago’s artistry on the field and wished him success in his future endeavors. Whether Thiago chooses to continue playing or embark on a coaching career, Klopp expressed his eagerness to watch him excel.
Thiago’s potential move to Barcelona’s coaching staff would not only provide him with a new direction in his career but also align him with his beloved former club. It remains to be seen whether Thiago will seize this opportunity or explore other options in the footballing world. Regardless, his departure from Liverpool marks the end of an era, and fans will undoubtedly follow his journey with great interest.