Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has debunked rumours that he is set to re-join the club as a coach this summer.
Having left Barcelona at the end of last season, there had been suggestions that Thiago could be heading back to Liverpool as part of Andoni Iraola’s coaching team.
However, asked directly by Rio Ferdinand whether he would be returning to Anfield, the Spaniard has admitted that he does not yet have the necessary badges.
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Thiago does not have the coaching qualifications to join Liverpool
Though Liverpool confirmed their new coaching staff at the back end of last week, there may still be room to bring another onboard.
That seemingly will not be Thiago, although the 35-year-old did admit that his final year with the Reds did spark a desire in him to one day become a coach.
“I think it’s something born inside of me in terms of being a coach. In my last year at Liverpool, just because I wasn’t able to play, so I was trying to help even more,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
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“Not being selfish in any kind of situation, just helping, being in the back of others, how I can make them grow.”
“So, when the Liverpool job came up, were you interested or not?” Ferdinand then asked.
“No man, I don’t have the badges enough to be a coach,” Thiago answered.
Although it seems Ferdinand may have been asking about the manager’s position at Liverpool, Thiago’s answer makes it fairly clear that he is not holding out for a spot on Iraola’s team for the time being.
Go and get those badges, maestro!
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