OFFICIAL: FC Barcelona confirms an unexpected departure

FC Barcelona announced on Friday that Thiago Alcántara will leave his position on Hansi Flick's technical staff. The former player had joined on a temporary basis and will be replaced by Arnau Blanco, former coach of Barça's Cadet A team.

Thiago Alcántara's incorporation was considered strategic because he knew Hansi Flick well from his time at Bayern Munich, where they coincided for a season and forged a great relationship. For this reason, the German decided to 'sign' him for his team, since he considered that he would be useful when acting as a link between the coaching staff and the squad, as has been seen so far.

Arnau Blanco will replace Thiago Alcántara from this Friday, becoming part of Hansi Flick's staff as assistant coach. The Palau Solità i Plegamans coach has worked in Barça's youth system for the last 11 seasons and will have the same responsibilities as Thiago Alcántara.