Liverpool new-look coaching team as Thiago Alcantara position confirmed
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SportFootballLiverpool FCFormer Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has addressed suggestions he will be making a return to Anfield this summerThiago Alcantara has dismissed suggestions he will form part of Liverpool's new-look coaching team under Andoni Iraola by revealing he does not have the necessary qualifications.Thiago, who spent four years with the Reds as a player before retiring in 2024, was linked earlier in the summer with a return to Anfield having left Barcelona.The former Spain international midfielder had been working with Barca head coach Hansi Flick but was unable to take a place on the bench in a competitive setting due to his lack of badges, and instead took on a special role at the training ground.Thiago was asked on a podcast with ex-West Ham United defender Rio Ferdinand about whether he was interested in the Liverpool job.And although the exact role wasn't specified - it could have been referring to either the head coach position before Iraola was appointed, or a place on his backroom staff - the response highlighted why Thiago will not be taking up an official full-time senior role in the near future."No, man. I don't have the badges," he said.
"I don't have the badges enough to be a coach."A UEFA Pro License or UEFA A License is required to assume a permanent senior backroom role in the United Kingdom, with Thiago working towards gaining the required qualifications."I'm on my way right now," he said, speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.There is, however, nothing in theory to prevent Thiago taking up a similar role as his most recent one at Barcelona.The backroom staff under Iraola - who replaced the sacked Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach last month - is now beginning to take shape with four appointments confirmed last week.Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper have followed Iraola from Bournemouth as first-team coaches for the Reds after an agreement was reached between the clubs over their release.The Spaniard will also link up with Pablo de la Torre as an assistant coach while Tom Webber has been appointed as first-team tactical analyst, both of whom also worked with Iraola during his three years in charge at Bournemouth.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCThiago Alcantara