Thiago Alcântara: Tactics of the Barcelona, Bayern and Liverpool teams I played in

As a player Thiago Alcântara possessed wonderful football intelligence. Allied to his ability with the ball and his athleticism, it made him an outstanding midfielder who played for some of the best teams and coaches in world football. Now a coach himself at Barcelona, in this exclusive Masterclass for Coaches’ Voice, he uses the CV tactics board to discuss his experiences as a player at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

It was at Barça that he emerged into senior football at a time when the club boasted one of the most celebrated and successful teams of all-time. Here, he explains how the Barcelona midfield of Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta functioned, including instructions given by Pep Guardiola, as well as the role Lionel Messi played in that memorable side.

Thiago then details how Guardiola tweaked his tactics at Bayern Munich, where Robert Lewandowski was a different, but nonetheless extremely potent attacking threat. He analyses the tactical relationships that wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry had with Bayern’s full-backs, before considering how he himself played between the lines as a number eight, connecting with Xabi Alonso and the front three.

Next, he reveals the tactical changes that Carlo Ancelotti introduced at Bayern, as well as the competitive streak that drove the Italian’s management. When Hansi Flick took over in Munich, Thiago and his Bayern teammates won the Champions League – here, he explains how he played more as a six in that treble-winning team.

Finally, he looks at the successful period he enjoyed at Liverpool, including Jürgen Klopp’s leadership and the need to be “comfortable in chaos” on the pitch.

It is a fascinating tactical overview from Thiago of a remarkable playing career, with excellent insight into the approaches taken by some of the most successful coaches of all-time. We hope you enjoy it!