Pique set to defy Laporta, Xavi
Laporta has informed Pique the club were considering signing a world-class centre-back as competition
Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has been at the receiving end of criticism lately due to his struggles on and off the pitch, with rumours circulating that his future at Barcelona might be uncertain.
The Blaugrana centre-back has reportedly met with his coach Xavi Hernandez and president Joan Laporta, who warned Pique that he should rediscover his form and take care of his off-the-pitch business.
"Both Xavi Hernandez and Joan Laporta told Gerard Pique that he had to improve physically and that he couldn't have so many open wars," According to Esports 3's 'Onze' show.
"Pique promised to lower his salary and to move away from business dealings for two years."
Meanwhile, Laporta has informed Pique the club were considering signing a world-class centre-back as competition.
"I will be a starter," Pique replied, according to this report.
"If you've got the guts, bring in the best centre-back in the world, who will come to be a backup."
The 35-year-old defender has two years left on his contract. According to Esports 3, Pique is training every day at 09:00 in the morning at Barcelona's training ground as he aims to have a successful 2022/23 season.
While a Xavi- Pique breakup would certainly make headlines, it seems as though those rumours aren't correct, at least for the time being.
As MARCA reported, Xavi spoke with Pique a few days ago and made something very clear to the defender.
"I want you in my team next season but I want you at 100 percent," is more or less how that chat went.
The conversation was an informative one, as the coach wanted to know first-hand how one of the team's leaders was doing. Xavi's interest was on three levels:
Following the split from Shakira, Xavi wanted to know how the person, rather than the footballer, was holding up.
Injuries have slowed Pique down, as he's still recovering from a thigh issue suffered back in May. Pique's goal is to continue treatment and be ready for the start of the pre-season.
The coach and club want Pique to be fully focused on football. No business.
Football and only football. If he can focus on just that, then he will be an important figure for Barcelona next season. Pique said he's willing to take on that challenge.
That said, Pique is 35 years old and can no longer play in every match. He only featured in 27 league matches last year, but he looked good in all of them.
Even with the rise of Ronald Araujo, Xavi is ready to insert Pique in the starting line-up whenever he can, as long as he is at 100 percent.
