# Playing with Messi and Training with Yamal | Thiago Alcántara takes us BTS at Barca

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/rio-ferdinand-presents-5613265/playing-with-messi-and-training-with-yamal-thiago-alc-ntara-takes-us-bts-at-barca
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/rio-ferdinand-presents-5613265/playing-with-messi-and-training-with-yamal-thiago-alc-ntara-takes-us-bts-at-barca.md
Podcast: [Rio Ferdinand Presents](https://stenobird.com/podcast/rio-ferdinand-presents-5613265)
Published: 2026-07-04T07:01:00+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/rio-ferdinand-presents-five/episodes/playing-with-messi-and-training-with-yamal-thiago-alcantara
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/62e90af8d40557001270a30e/e/6a48165a5ef16cb804228598/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/rio-ferdinand-presents-5613265/episodes/playing-with-messi-and-training-with-yamal-thiago-alc-ntara-takes-us-bts-at-barca
Duration seconds: 3514

## Resource

Thiago Alcântara joins Rio Ferdinand at his Airbnb in Los Angeles for one of the most detailed football conversations you'll hear anywhere. From turning down Manchester United before eventually facing Rio in the Premier League, to playing under both Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, Thiago explains how two of football's greatest managers see the game completely differently. He reveals the conversation with Pep that convinced him to leave Bayern Munich, why Klopp believed Liverpool were missing control in midfield and the tactical details that shaped one of the most successful teams of the modern era. The discussion is packed with extraordinary insight into some of the biggest names in world football. Thiago opens up on Mohamed Salah's personality behind the scenes, why Roberto Firmino was the perfect teammate, how Harry Kane adapted so quickly to German football and his incredible goalscoring record, Lionel Messi's unmatched aura, Paul Scholes' brilliance, and why he believes Pedri is currently the best midfielder in the world. There's also fascinating analysis of the next generation. After taking on the role as Barcelona’s assistant coach, Thiago explains what makes Lamine Yamal so special after sharing the training pitch with him, why Kobbie Mainoo's best position is as a number eight, what Declan Rice can still become and the advice every young player needs if they want to reach the very top. Plus, Thiago discusses his ambitions as a coach, names his ultimate five-a-side team and answers the question every football fan wants to know: if Pep Guardiola managed an African nation at the World Cup, would they win it? If you enjoy in-depth football conversations that go beyond the headlines, this is one you won't want to miss. Brought you in partnership with Airbnb Hosted o…

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