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Thiago on Bayern, Barcelona and beating injury

Thiago Alcántara tells UEFA.com about staying strong during a year out injured, his spectacular return and going back to the Camp Nou with FC Bayern München.

Thiago Alcántara celebrates scoring for Bayern against Porto
Thiago Alcántara celebrates scoring for Bayern against Porto ©AFP/Getty Images

After a year out with a knee injury, Thiago Alcántara has returned with a bang, helping FC Bayern München to a second successive Bundesliga title and playing a key role in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final victory over FC Porto. With a semi-final reunion against former club FC Barcelona looming tonight, the midfielder tells UEFA.com he is eager to make up for lost time. 

UEFA.com: You joined Barcelona back in 2005 when you moved from Brazil. In what ways did you develop there?

Thiago Alcántara: It's the perfect club for any footballer to develop and to grow, because as everybody knows La Masia can give you stability; they take care of you when you leave home. They show you the affection you need when you leave home. You have the chance to study there and it makes you grow as a player and as a person.

UEFA.com: You worked with Josep Guardiola at Barcelona too – what influence did he have on your development?

Thiago: When Pep's coaching career started it coincided with me breaking into the first-team squad. So I was able to follow as both spectator and player when Barcelona had that splendid run and I was able to share the dressing room with them and enjoy training with them. It was just a great education for me at La Masia, with all the players there and then with Guardiola, who coached us and tried to implement that new methodology which now serves many other teams.

UEFA.com: In your time at Barcelona you were a young player watching one of the most revolutionary teams in modern football win trophy after trophy. What are your emotions as you look forward to returning to the Camp Nou?

Thiago's Bayern delight

Thiago: The strongest feelings you can possibly have. But you have to look forward, because when the match comes you have to be 100% focused, so those feelings are something you need to avoid a bit. We want to beat Barça and make it to Berlin. Emotions are not welcome, because we want to go to the Camp Nou to deliver a performance and win.

UEFA.com: It's clear you are highly rated by Josep Guardiola; he bought you from Barcelona to Bayern when he moved to Germany. Tell us about your relationship with him?

Thiago: Pep has won a lot of trophies as a coach and it's no coincidence. My intention is to start from the bench like I did at Barcelona; I'm not looking for the attention that some players want after winning a title. I've just started my experience here and in the team. In terms of our relationship, I have learned a lot from him as a student of the game and as a person. You always have to thank the people who have confidence in you and who want to share their experiences and qualities with you. You learn a bit from everything, and with experience you mature – and it's easy to learn from Pep.

UEFA.com: You have worked under Guardiola since 2008 and Barcelona B. From a player's perspective, can you explain why he has had so much success as a coach?

Thiago Alcántara back in training with Bayern
Thiago Alcántara back in training with Bayern©AFP/Getty Images

Thiago: He has been always the same, he's always given the same importance to every match, whether it's in the third division, the opening match of the domestic league or the Champions League final. Football is really important to him, he has it inside him. He knows how to prepare for opponents. At the same time he has that passion to bring across what he's studied and to convince us that his decisions are right – that this is the way to win the match. That's what makes him such a great coach.

UEFA.com: This season you've spent a long time out injured. Tell us about your knee surgery, the rehabilitation process and how you got through that period?

Thiago: It was a tough time, because you change countries, teams and your life totally for football – and then suddenly you're out. It confuses your plans and your daily life. That's when you grow up as a person and you need to be very strong in your head.

UEFA.com: You returned to the UEFA Champions League with a bang, scoring crucial goals in both legs of the quarter-final victory over Porto. How did it feel to play a big part in that success and what was it like to be back?

Thiago Alcántara has been in fine goalscoring form since returning from a year out
Thiago Alcántara has been in fine goalscoring form since returning from a year out©Getty Images

Thiago: Obviously I wasn't in great shape physically after a year without competitive football, but the heart and the desire to play lifted my feet. They were important factors. The goal in Porto was important because it gave us a bit of life in the tie, though we had to score more. Here at home it was about scoring the first goal to open up for more goals. So my second-leg strike was more enthusiastically received because of its importance.

UEFA.com: What did we learn about Bayern from that incredible second-leg triumph, and how did that display affect the mood in the dressing room?

Thiago: Defeats hurt and you learn that you don't want to relive those moments, but you also learn to enjoy the victories. Winning any game is nice; it's a good feeling and a good atmosphere in the dressing room. So you want to experience that – like the match against Porto with so many goals and the football we played.

UEFA.com: You were an unused substitute when Barcelona lifted the trophy in 2011. What would it mean to do it again as a starter with Bayern?

Thiago: Obviously it would be more significant because you feel more involved. You've participated more, been involved in more games, been more important. In the end it's written in the stars whether we'll win the Champions League or not, but the importance of feeling integrated into the team, and feeling like you have a key player, is always a bonus.

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