Report – Reason why Barcelona have delayed announcing former midfielder’s return | OneFootball

A few days ago, we confirmed that former midfielder Thiago Alcantara is set to join Barcelona as part of Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.

While everything is on track, Barcelona have not made it official and a report from Mundo Deportivo has claimed that it is because the parties involved are still figuring out the details of the contract.

As such, the club and Thiago want to understand their respective roles and want to know the ideal duration of the contract.

It must be noted that Flick is making a significant change to his coaching team by bringing in a new member. Currently, he has three assistants: Toni Tapalovic, Marcus Sorg, and Heiko Westermann.

However, he is now seeking the expertise of Thiago, as he is keen on having someone who not only speaks German but also has an intimate knowledge of the club.

The exact reason for the delay

Negotiations between Barça and the former player have been ongoing for several days. Despite these talks, an agreement has yet to be reached.

This delay is evident as the club recently released a picture of Flick with his assistants, which did not include Thiago.

Hansi Flick and Thiago Alcantara are set to be united at Barcelona. (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

According to reports, the hold-up is due to the need to clarify Thiago’s specific roles in the official statement that the club plans to release, possibly today.

Flick’s intention for Thiago’s role is multifaceted. He wants him to assist with language barriers and foster better relationships with the players.

Thiago’s deep understanding of the game, particularly in midfield positions, makes him an ideal bridge between Flick’s strategies and the players.

However, he is adamant that his role should be more than just that of a translator. He seeks a position that allows him to have a substantial impact, sharing his insights and experience with the team.

A dream return is on the cards

If the deal goes through, Thiago will make a noteworthy return to Barça. This would mark his comeback 11 years after he left the club in the summer of 2013 for Bayern Munich, then under the management of Pep Guardiola.

His return would not only be significant for the team dynamics but also for the club’s history, bringing back a familiar face with a wealth of experience.

Thiago’s addition to the coaching staff is more than just a tactical move. It symbolizes a blend of old and new, merging his knowledge from his playing days with modern coaching techniques.

His familiarity with the club’s culture and his fluency in German are crucial assets that Flick values highly. These elements are essential for fostering unity and understanding within the team, especially among the midfielders who play a pivotal role in Flick’s game plans.