Thiago 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. The former Liverpool midfielder, who spent four years at Anfield before retiring in 2024, was linked earlier in the summer with a return to the club after leaving Barcelona.
Thiago's Current Role and Lack of Badges
The former Spain international had been working with Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick but was unable to take a place on the bench in a competitive setting due to his lack of coaching badges. Instead, he took on a special role at the training ground. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Thiago was asked whether he was interested in a Liverpool job. "No, man. I don't have the badges," he said. "I don't have the badges enough to be a coach."
Qualification Requirements and Future Plans
A UEFA Pro License or UEFA A License is required to assume a permanent senior backroom role in the United Kingdom. Thiago is working towards gaining the required qualifications. "I'm on my way right now," he said. There is nothing in theory to prevent Thiago from taking up a similar role to his most recent one at Barcelona, where he worked with the first team in a non-competitive capacity.
Liverpool's New Coaching Staff Under Iraola
Liverpool's backroom staff under Andoni Iraola, who replaced the sacked Arne Slot as head coach last month, is beginning to take shape. Four appointments were confirmed last week. Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper have followed Iraola from Bournemouth as first-team coaches after an agreement was reached between the clubs over their release. Iraola 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 de la Torre and Webber worked with Iraola during his three years in charge at Bournemouth.
