Hansi Flick wants assistant Thiago to help ‘shape’ two Barcelona stars in his XI

A fresh insight into the responsibilities set to be handed to Thiago Alcântara as part of his role as Barcelona’s new assistant coach has this week been provided.

Midfielder Thiago, of course, recently took his talents back to Barcelona, after calling time on his stellar playing career.

As much came with a view to acting as a right-hand man to the incoming Hansi Flick, after the pair enjoyed a fruitful relationship during a shared stint in Germany with Bayern Munich.

Thiago has thus far played his part as something of a link between Flick and his staff, and the Blaugrana’s squad.

Evidently, though, the plans of Barca’s new boss for his assistant are in fact altogether more in-depth.

As per a report from Relevo, Thiago will soon be tasked with ‘molding’ the midfield pairing of Gavi and Pedri, for their time under Flick’s watch:

‘Hansi considers the two Spanish internationals to be very important. For the German, both Pedri and Gavi are part of the style he wants to implement. And for this, Thiago seems indispensable. One of the roles of Flick’s new assistant will be to shape the two midfielders. He will be above them to transmit and execute Flick’s instructions.’

Himself a success story in the middle of the park at the Camp Nou, Thiago is considered the perfect mentor to Gavi and Pedri alike, amid the efforts of the engine room duo to secure respective returns to the pitch at the earliest opportunity.

Conor Laird | GSFN