Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has cut ties with Barcelona just a month after taking over as their manager.

The former Spain international, who has seen ongoing injury problems force him into retirement at the age of 33, has returned to Catalonia after hanging up his boots at Anfield. He was invited to join the staff of the new Blaugrana boss Hansi Flick. Thiago is a product of the famous La Masia academy system and made over 100 appearances for Barca before joining German giants Bayern.

He was seen as a strong addition to Flick’s squad, making an immediate impact on the training camp. However, it has been revealed that his return to Barca will end in a few weeks. His replacement has already been named, with the La Liga giants saying in a statement on the club’s official website: “Arnau Blanco, until now coach of FC Barcelona’s U16A team, joins the coaching staff of Hansi Flick instead of Thiago Alcántara who has his last day with the team today, Friday August 16. The coach of Catalan origin has worked in the youth system of Barça for the last 11 seasons and take over from Thiago Alcántara continues to show his commitment to the professional development of FC Barcelona coaches.
Thiago, who made just one appearance for Liverpool last season, must now decide what happens next. He wants to stay on as manager, but a completely fresh start may be needed after leaving Barca for the second time in his career.