Long-term Bayern Munich doctor raised concerns over Pep Guardiola's treatment of Thiago injury | OneFootball

With Thiago Alcantara expected to retire from football following his Liverpool exit, Pep Guardiola has come under fire as comments about the current Manchester City manager's treatment of the 33-year-old have resurfaced.

Fabrizio Romano recently announced that the Spanish midfielder is set to call time on his career after his Liverpool contract expired at the end of last season.

Thiago played just ten minutes for the Reds during Jurgen Klopp's final campaign as a result of injuries, with fitness issues having been a problem for the maestro throughout his illustrious career - especially at Anfield.

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In fact, Thiago managed just 98 matches for Liverpool across a four-year spell on Merseyside, many of which were from the bench.

There is no doubt that the talented magician would have started almost every match for Liverpool had he been fit, but consistent issues meant he spent most of his time in the treatment room.

PEP GUARDIOLA SLAMMED FOR THIAGO TREATMENT

Guardiola and Thiago worked together at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich over the years, but it was with the German giants that their relationship was most fruitful.

The current Man City boss signed Thiago for Bayern in 2013, with the pair enjoying immense success together during the three years Guardiola spent in Bavaria.

However, injuries were always an issue for Thiago in Germany, and former Bayern doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has previously accused Guardiola of rushing the 46-cap Spain international back from injury.

Speaking about his issues with Guardiola back in 2018 (via ESPN), Muller-Wohlfahrt stated: "I had been at Bayern for 38 years without any problems and suddenly a 44-year-old coach joins, someone who has not walked this earth for much longer than I had been Bayern team doc, someone who knows everything, who suddenly puts pressure on and accuses me that an injury layoff after a severe ligament injury takes six to seven weeks rather than four weeks like in Spain.

"I don't have any insight into their work. Thiago once returned from Spain after four weeks, seemingly fit. But when I examined him, I said: 'Stop! The injury has not healed completely, even though you are pain-free.'

"Guardiola still allowed him to train. Thiago got injured again and went on to miss a full year."

Thiago always suffered with injuries across his career, even prior to joining Bayern. In fact, he missed 72 games for Barcelona across a three-year period prior to his exit.

However, Guardiola rushing Thiago back to fitness against the instructions of his team doctor certainly won't have helped the injury-prone Spaniard.

It's a shame to see such a sensational footballer hanging up his boots because of injuries.

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